RNC to consider resolution condemning Kanye West, Fuentes and antisemitism writ large

POLITICO reported that the resolution did not mention Trump. However, it condemned Ye, Fuentes as well as conservative commentator Milo Yiannopoulos. It also calls out a handful of Democratic politicians — including Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) — for remarks highly critical of Israel and for ties they had with antisemitic figures.

“I want to create a standard for all political parties in America, that we don’t tolerate bigotry, and in this particular case, antisemitism,” Steel said.

The resolution, if adopted, would “formally condemn, denounce, censure and oppose all forms of bigotry, racism, ethnic prejudice, religious intolerance, antisemitism, antisemitic statements, and any antisemitic elements that seek to infiltrate the Republican Party,” according to a copy of the document obtained by POLITICO.

In the resolution, which has been vetted by RNC attorneys, Steel writes that Ye, who claims to be running for president in 2024, has repeatedly made “shameful” comments that are “contrary to American and Republican principles.” Among them, Ye has said that “the Jewish media has made us feel like the Nazis and Hitler have never offered anything of value to the world … we’ve got to stop dissing the Nazis all of the time.”

The document also denounces Yiannopoulos’ similar remarks about “the Jewish powers that be,” and describes Fuentes as “laughingly comparing Jews killed at concentration camps to baking cookies in an oven.”

So far, 30 members — more than RNC rules require to advance the resolution — have signed on as co-sponsors, Steel said. He said he expects the resolution to pass unanimously at the RNC’s winter meeting this week in Dana Point, Calif., where the group of 168 Republican officials will also elect a chair.

Ronna McDaniel (the incumbent chair) is up against a challenge from Harmeet Dhillon, conservative attorney, and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. However, her allies believe that she has a comfortable margin for victory.

A handful of Dhillon allies have accused at least one RNC member of being involved in a “whisper campaign” against Dhillon because of her Sikh faith. McDaniel, herself, is part of a religious minority: the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Steel, who is supporting McDaniel in the race, said he was inspired by William F. Buckley’s position on the GOP adopting a “hypersensitivity to antisemitism.” In a December op-edSteel praised Virginia Governor. Glenn Youngkin’s decision to establish a Commission to Combat Antisemitism.

Steel and Rep. Michelle Park Steel(R. Calif.), who overtook a Democratic incumbent in order to be elected to Congress 2020. She is one of three Korean American women who have been elected to the House.