Iowan’s words draw rebukes in House

U.S. Rep. Steve King, who is critical of multiculturalism, was sharply criticized by some House colleagues after asking The New York Times, “white nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?”

The quote appeared in the Times last week.

In a House speech Friday, King did not deny uttering the words, but said that the Times had selectively edited a 56-minute-long interview in a way that created a false impression.

“The New York Times is suggesting that I’m an advocate for white nationalism and white supremacy. I want to make one thing abundantly clear. I reject those labels and the evil ideology that they define,” King said, reading a written statement he had issued on Thursday.

In a written statement, U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., also denounced racially offensive ideology.

“It was right for Rep. Steve King to condemn the evil ideology of white supremacy and white nationalism. These racist ideas go against what we stand for as Americans and have no place in our rhetoric or society.”

A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Steve Womack said the Republican from Rogers “condemns hate and bigotry of any kind.”

The offices of Arkansas’ U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman and Rick Crawford did not respond Friday morning to a request for comment.

Previous statements by the Republican from Iowa have also sparked controversy. In October, U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio, the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, tweeted: “Congressman Steve King’s recent comments, actions, and retweets are completely inappropriate. We must stand up against white supremacy and hate in all forms, and I strongly condemn this behavior.”