Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) is pushing back on criticism from Republicans claiming she mocked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) wheelchair use while giving a speech over the weekend.
While speaking at the Human Rights Campaign LA dinner on Saturday, Crockett referred to Greg Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels” who is a “hot a— mess.”
Republican critics immediately condemned Crockett for her comments, accusing her of mocking Abbott for using a wheelchair. Abbott was paralyzed more than four decades ago after a tree fell on him while he was out running.
“I wasn’t thinking about the governor’s condition—I was thinking about the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by Black mayors, deliberately stoking tension and fear among the most vulnerable,” Crockett posted on the social platform X on Tuesday.
“At no point did I mention or allude to his condition. So, I’m even more appalled that the very people who unequivocally support Trump—a man known for racially insensitive nicknames and mocking those with disabilities—are now outraged,” she added.
Following Crockett’s comments, the National Republican Congressional Committee called the Texas Democrat “Crazy Crockett” while Fox News panelist Lisa Kennedy Montgomery called her an “attention w—-.”
But it’s not the first time Crockett has been embroiled with Republicans. Last year, she and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) made headlines for comments made on the House floor about each others’ appearance.
Crockett has since become even more outspoken against Republicans, including President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
On Tuesday, she accused Republicans of attempting to distract from the party’s policies it is trying to enact in Congress.
“Instead of obsessing over and hanging on to my every word, maybe my political foes should focus on doing the work of the people who elected us to improve their lives,” Crockett said.
