Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said during an interview over the weekend that federal authorities should investigate the financing that radical pro-Palestinian groups in the U.S. are receiving because the Russian government could be funding some of their activities.
The remarks came after Hamas murdered 1,200 Israelis during an unprecedented terrorist attack on October 7 that has thrown the region into turmoil.
Pelosi’s remarks, which she made during a Sunday interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” with host Dana Bash, come as Russia has shown a non-hostile attitude toward the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorist organization which is due in-part because Russia has become close to Israel’s top enemy, Iran, to supply it with military drones that it is using in its war in Ukraine.
“For [the pro-Palestinian protesters] to call for a cease-fire is Mr. Putin’s message, Mr. Putin’s message,” Pelosi told CNN. “Make no mistake, this is directly connected to what he would like to see. Same thing with Ukraine. It’s about Putin’s message.”
“I think some of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere,” she said. “Some, I think, are connected to Russia. And I say that having looked at this for a long time now, as you know.”
When asked if she thought that the protesters were Russian “plants,” Pelosi responded: “I don’t think they’re plants. I think some financing should be investigated. And I want to ask the FBI to investigate that.”
WATCH:
Nancy Pelosi: Protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza “is Mr. Putin’s message… Make no mistake, this is directly connected to what he would like to see…
“I think some of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere. Some I think are connected to Russia.” pic.twitter.com/hMwcM2WmKj
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) January 28, 2024
A spokesperson for Pelosi later said that she has “always supported and defended the right of all Americans to make their views known through peaceful protest.”
“Informed by three decades on the House Intelligence Committee, Speaker Pelosi is acutely aware of how foreign adversaries meddle in American politics to sow division and impact our elections, and she wants to see further investigation ahead of the 2024 election,” the spokesperson added.
