Rep. Derrick Van Orden is hiding from constituents who need solutions about why the Wisconsin Republican is just not standing as much as President Donal Trump and co-President Elon Musk’s harmful cuts to the federal authorities—and he’s utilizing an antisemitic trope to defend that selection.
Van Orden didn’t present as much as a city corridor on Tuesday hosted by a grassroots group, claiming that the attendees had been all paid by George Soros, the Jewish philanthropist whom Republicans have blamed for all of the world’s issues.
For years, Republicans have blamed something they don’t agree with on Soros.
“In far-right circles worldwide, Soros’ philanthropy often is recast as fodder for outsized conspiracy theories, including claims that he masterminds specific global plots or manipulates particular events to further his goals,” the Anti-Defamation League wrote in 2018. “Many of those conspiracy theories employ longstanding antisemitic myths, particularly the notion that rich and powerful Jews work behind the scenes, plotting to control countries and manipulate global events.”
George Soros
It is a silly excuse dripping with antisemitism because the protesters are clearly not being paid—by Soros or anybody else.
They’re simply indignant that Trump and Musk are chopping important advantages, like Social Safety, Medicaid, medical analysis, meals help, and extra. They usually wish to inform their representatives to face as much as Trump and Musk and cease the destruction.
It’s why Republicans who’ve extra guts than Van Orden and have really held city halls have been met with indignant crowds.
However Van Orden doesn’t wish to hear these authentic considerations. As a substitute, he’s possible hiding from his constituents not due to some lame excuse that city corridor attendees are Soros vegetation, however quite as a result of GOP management has explicitly informed Republican members to not maintain in-person occasions.
Actually, the native Wisconsin reporters requested one of many attendees if she was being paid by Soros.
“I’m not, I’ve never been paid to agitate or activate,” stated Tanja Birke, a member of the Involved Residents of Vernon County, which hosted the city corridor that Van Orden dodged.
As a result of Republicans are in hiding, Democrats are holding their very own city halls in Republican-held districts to listen to voter considerations and inform them how Democrats would repair their points.
Certainly, Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin confirmed as much as the city corridor that Van Orden declined to attend.
“PACKED house in Viroqua, WI for the town hall in [Van Orden’s] district. Derrick was a NO SHOW, but over 300 people in the town of 4500 showed up. Empty seat for him,” Pocan wrote in a publish on X. “Of note: Derrick doesn’t respond to constituents & they don’t like cuts to Medicaid & other programs.”
The Division of Veterans Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Van Orden, for his half, is an asshole.
Earlier in March, he threatened to report a disabled veteran who had been fired from his job with the Division of Veterans Affairs as a consequence of cuts made by Musk’s so-called Division of Authorities Effectivity.
The veteran, Jesus “Tony” Ruiz, messaged Van Orden on LinkedIn after he was fired telling Van Orden to cease the DOGE firings.
In response to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Ruiz bought this unhinged message from Van Orden in response:
I will probably be referring you to DOGE as evidently at 13:46 on a Monday it is best to have been working for veterans, not posting trash about your boss, President Trump. There must be accountability. Now. Have an ideal day.
Van Orden is likely one of the most susceptible Republicans in 2026. He barely received reelection in 2024, defeating his Democratic opponent by little greater than 2 proportion factors in a great yr for Republicans within the Badger State. Due to that, Van Orden will probably be a prime Democratic goal within the 2026 midterm elections—a yr that’s anticipated to be a lot much less favorable for Republicans.
Thanks to the Day by day Kos group who continues to combat so laborious with Day by day Kos. Your reader help means all the things. We are going to proceed to have you ever coated and maintain you knowledgeable, so please donate simply $3 to assist help the work we do.
