House Republican Calls Black Lawmaker’s Husband a ‘Thug’ and Says ‘If She Wouldn’t Be So Loud All the Time, Maybe She Wouldn’t Be Getting Threats’

Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) reacted to news of the federal investigation into Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) by calling her “loud” and describing her husband as a “thug.”

On Tuesday, it was reported that Bush is the focus of a Department of Justice criminal investigation into whether she misspent campaign on personal security. According to records, Bush spent $572,000 on security in 2022, with $60,000 of that going to her husband. Bush denied wrongdoing outside the Capitol.

“I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services,” Bush told reporters. “Any reporting that I have used federal funds for personal security is simply false.”

Hours later on X, formerly Twitter, CNN Capitol Hill reporter Melanie Zanona relayed some remarks Nehls made about Bush, who is Black and a member of House’s left-wing Squad.

“She doesn’t even support the police,” he said, referring to Bush’s support for defunding the police. “But the idea to pay her thug money to try to help protect her this and that, for what?” Nehls said. “Maybe if she wouldn’t be so loud all the time, maybe she wouldn’t be getting threats.”

Bush has repeatedly stated she has received racist death threats since arriving in Congress.

Zanona then asked Nehls whether he believes Bush deserves to be threatened.

“No, what I’m saying is, is that when you’re out there talking the way she does.. She’s pretty radical,” he said. “And maybe she should tone it down a little bit.”

CORRECTION: This article originally stated Bush is being investigated over the potential misuse of tax dollars. It has been update to reflect the fact the investigation is looking into whether she misspent campaign money.