Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has drawn criticism for suggesting that some pro-Palestinian activism in the U.S. is part of a foreign influence operation.
On Sunday, the Democratic representative from California said she would like the FBI to investigate potential Russian connections and funding behind American calls for an armistice in the Israel-Hamas war.
Responding to a question on CNN’s State of the Union about growing anger among Democrats, particularly young people and Arab Americans, at the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict, Pelosi said: “What we have to do is try to stop the suffering in Gaza … But for them to call for a ceasefire is Mr. Putin’s message.”
“Make no mistake, this is directly connected to what he would like to see,” Pelosi continued. “I think some of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere,” she caveated. “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 by CNN correspondent Dana Bash to clarify if she thought some protests were “Russian plants,” Pelosi replied: “Seeds or plants—I think some financing should be investigated, and I want to ask the FBI to investigate that.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly blamed the U.S. and the West for the crisis in Gaza, and experts say he is trying to use the widespread backlash toward the mounting toll on Palestinians to counter the U.S.’s global influence.
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