GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn has drawn the ire of many for his remarks as of late, which has targeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and, most recently, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Cawthorn echoed a past accusation against Pelosi at an event, claiming that Pelosi is addicted to alcohol, even when the top House Democrat does not drink.
Speaking to a group of his supporters at an event in North Carolina, Cawthorn echoed the favorite line of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy when it came to Pelosi. Cawthorn went on to claim that Pelosi has a drinking problem even if the House Speaker has not consumed alcohol in years despite what conservatives and right-wingers have claimed over the years, sharing doctored videos to back up their accusations.
“Rules for thee but not for me I guess is Nancy Pelosi’s, that’s Nancy Pelosi’s campaign slogan,” said Cawthorn at the event. A video recording of Cawthorn’s remarks was shared on social media.
“I’ll tell you I have to work with her every single day so please do pray for me. The theories of alcoholism are very true and it’s very sad,” said Cawthorn.
Pelosi’s daughter Christine Pelosi has previously pushed back against the claims by right-wingers, especially those loyal to Donald Trump, back in 2019.
Cawthorn also came under fire from his fellow Republicans by attacking Zelenskyy in a video clip shared on social media. In the video, Cawthorn called the Ukrainian leader “a thug” and that the Ukrainian government was “corrupt” and “incredibly evil.” Cawthorn also voted against banning Russian energy products from entering the US, calling the move “virtue signaling.”
Meanwhile, Pelosi and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced in a joint letter that Zelenskyy will deliver an address to Congress this week. The Ukrainian leader’s virtual address will take place on Wednesday.
The speech will only be open to members of Congress. Lawmakers who are not vaccinated will have to wear a mask if they are planning to attend. The virtual address follows a zoom meeting between Zelenskyy and around 300 lawmakers from the House and the Senate earlier this month.