Freshman GOP lawmaker apologizes for Hitler quote

Newly seated Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) issued an apology on Friday for saying that Adolf “Hitler was right” about the value of influencing a nation’s youth.

The freshman lawmaker, who has been in office less than a week, said she was attempting to speak to a group of mothers “about the importance of faith and guarding our youth from destructive influences.”

“I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth,” Miller said.

The Illinois Republican faced widespread backlash for making the remark on Tuesday during “Moms for America Saving the Republic” rally, which called for the 2020 presidential election to be overturned. 

“Hitler was right on one thing, that whoever has the youth has the future. Our children are being propagandized,” Miller said.

In her apology, Miller said that “dark history should never be repeated and parents should be proactive to instill what is good, true, right and noble into their children’s hearts and minds.”

“While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs, let me be clear: I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community,” she continued. “I’ve been in discussion with Jewish leaders across the country and am grateful to them for their kindness and forthrightness.”

Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issues a statement on her remarks at the recent Moms for America event in Washington, D.C. pic.twitter.com/3349AZwbN7

— Congresswoman Mary Miller (@RepMaryMiller) January 8, 2021

Her comments came one day before supporters of the president stormed the U.S. Capitol in a violent mob that left five people dead, including a Capitol Police officer. One of the rioters was seen wearing an anti-Semitic “Camp Auschwitz” shirt.   

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum issued a statement this week “unequivocally” condemning her remarks. 

“The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum unequivocally condemns any leader trying to advance a position by claiming Adolf Hitler was ‘right’,” the museum said in a statement. “Adolf Hitler’s Germany plunged Europe into the most destructive event in human history, World War II and the Holocaust resulting in the genocide of six million European Jews.”

Miller also faced criticism from other members of the Illinois congressional delegation. 

Jewish Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D) called on Miller to resign, as did Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D).

“To say that Adolf Hitler, the perpetrator of the worst genocide in world history, is ‘right’ about anything is disqualifying for any supposed ‘leader’ serving in Congress,” Duckworth said.

.@RepMaryMiller must resign immediately.

To say that Adolf Hitler, the perpetrator of the worst genocide in world history, is “right” about anything is disqualifying for any supposed “leader” serving in Congress. pic.twitter.com/yfYVmM8qKX

— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 8, 2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) called the remarks “unfathomable and disgusting.”

“Let me be clear: Hitler got nothing right,” the governor said during a press conference. “This reprehensible rhetoric has no place in our politics. Illinois Republicans cannot allow this to stand, and must condemn this vile, evil streak in their party.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker calls Mary Miller’s remarks quoting Hitler “unfathomable and disgusting.” He says, “Illinois Republicans cannot allow this to stand, and must condemn this vile, evil streak in their party.” pic.twitter.com/XlJK5ld8ZE

— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) January 6, 2021