Tlaib, Donalds Clash Over “Fascist” Label in Heated House Hearing

A fiery exchange erupted Thursday at the House Oversight Committee when Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) accused Republicans of a “fascist takeover” in Washington, D.C., prompting Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) to demand, “Do I look like a member of the Third Reich?”

In the midst of a hearing on crime in the nation’s capital, Tlaib sharply criticized GOP proposals as “fascist” and urged colleagues to resist what she called an overreach of federal power. Donalds interrupted, objecting to the characterization and accusing Tlaib of reckless rhetoric. The exchange underscored deep partisan divisions over the Trump administration’s law-and-order approach in D.C.

Hearing Spirals into Shouting Match

Tlaib, a member of the progressive “Squad,” opened by denouncing efforts to federalize D.C. policing as a threat to home rule. She declared, “We need to stand up against this fascist takeover-it’s not a bad word, it’s a fact.” When Donalds interjected questioning her use of “fascist,” both representatives raised their voices, cutting over each other as tensions mounted.

Accusations and Counteraccusations

Donalds, visibly agitated, asked Tlaib directly, “Do I look like a member of the Third Reich to you, Ms. Tlaib?” He later told reporters her comments were “reprehensible,” especially in light of recent political violence. Tlaib shot back, accusing Donalds of “ghost voting”-handing off his voting card illegally-and chanted “Free DC!” before the chair restored order.

Broader Context and Fallout

The spark for the confrontation was Republican-backed bills to toughen juvenile sentencing and expand federal oversight of D.C. police-measures Tlaib argued undermine local authority. Conservatives defended the bills as necessary to combat rising crime. Outside the hearing, both sides condemned the other’s tone, signaling the clash may intensify partisan debates over Washington’s governance.

What’s Next

The Oversight Committee will resume its work on D.C. crime bills next week. Tlaib’s allies plan to introduce amendments reinforcing local control, while GOP members vow to push their legislation. The shouting match highlights how debates over crime policy in the capital have become a broader battleground in Congress.