GOP Congressman Andy Ogles threw a staffer under the bus after a homophobic message he shared on social media was met with backlash.
On Tuesday, one day after Pride Month began, the Tennessee Republican said that “homosexuality has no place in America” in a now-deleted X post — and was immediately ripped apart for it by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Hours later, Ogles, 54, stopped short of apologizing and instead, blamed a member of his communications team for the “hurtful” message.
“Earlier today while working on the farm, my phone began going crazy because of a post made by a member of my comms team,” he wrote. “The post was stupid, hurtful and a complete distraction from my America First focus. The employee has been reprimanded.”
Before the message was taken down, Ogles faced fierce criticism, including from members of his own party.
“Homosexuality exists. In America. In fact Andy, you have family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and constituents who are gay and lesbian,” replied New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler.
“It doesn’t make them less than or somehow unworthy of being an American. What an absolutely idiotic statement to make,” Lawler added, later calling his colleague a “f***ing idiot” when asked about the post by TMZ.
Former New York Republican Rep. George Santos, who is openly gay, also pushed back on the homophobic post.
“I never thought I’d hear a person I consider a friend say there is no place for me in this country simply because of who I chose to love,” Santos responded.
“I never once pushed my lifestyle onto anyone and have always voted and advocated for conservative principles. But I have the same civil rights as anyone else in this country and I am saddened by this insane comment,” he continued.
Ogles comments even left staunch conservative Sen. Ted Cruz confused. When asked by TMZ about the Texas Republican his thoughts, Cruz replied that for “all of recorded history, homosexuals have been part of humanity.”
“You know, I’ve got to say I’m libertarian by nature,” Cruz added. “I think the behavior of consenting adults is their business.”
The post is the latest inflammatory remark from Ogle, who shared similar remarks about American Muslims in March, writing on X, “Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie.” The post drew backlash from both Republicans and Democrats.
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