Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, ignited controversy this week after claiming that modern-day conservatives would re-enslave people like her if given the chance, accusing Republican opposition of being a continuation of the ideologies that justified slavery and segregation.
Speaking on the “Outlaws” podcast hosted by activist TS Madison, Crockett said, “If they could, they would throw me back in chains,” adding that current Republican positions are merely “tired and old” iterations of racial hatred repackaged for the modern era.
“Somehow, those that came before us managed to break loose of the physical chains, even though we still have a bunch of systemic chains that we are still kind of wrangling with,” Crockett continued.
Crockett’s rhetoric also mirrors a long-running Democratic talking point that has been criticized as inflammatory. During the 2012 presidential campaign, then-Vice President Joe Biden told a largely black audience that Republican nominee Mitt Romney and Wall Street “are going to put y’all back in chains” if elected — a remark widely condemned at the time for stoking racial fear for political gain. Crockett’s comments echo that same style of alarmism, reviving a narrative that opponents argue relies more on demonizing others than on offering real solutions.
The Texas Democrat, known for her incendiary style and viral moments in House hearings, did not point to specific Republican policies but instead framed conservative ideology as inherently hostile to black and LGBTQ+ Americans. “They hate you because they can’t be you,” she told Madison, a black transgender woman who said she fears for her safety in today’s political climate.
She continued, “So every little hate that they spew your way, my way, it is because they know that they see how beautiful we are inside and out, and we walk in that greatness every single day,” Crockett said. “And there is nothing that they can do that will diminish us or make us feel less than, even though that’s what they want us to believe we are. So let me just say thank you for living your truth, because that really takes courage.”
Critics were quick to call that remark self-congratulatory and devoid of substance — more rooted in viral social media platitudes than any serious analysis of political or cultural divisions. Many received it as a bumper sticker disguised as insight, and ultimately trivializing real policy debates and reducing complex political conflict to shallow self-flattery.
Crockett also claimed that the nation is approaching a “losing season for the haters,” arguing that her political opponents are driven by fear of the growing influence of people like herself: “We are great, we are normal… we got superpowers, as far as I’m concerned.”
Crockett’s comments drew sharp criticism.
“She’s not the first progressive politician to weaponize race as a shield from criticism, but suggesting her GOP colleagues secretly want to bring back slavery is offensive, ahistorical, and wildly irresponsible,” said Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, one of two black Republicans currently serving in Congress from the Lone Star State.
Others accused Crockett of deliberately escalating racial tensions for political gain. “This kind of rhetoric is dangerous. It dehumanizes people with different political views and poisons public discourse,” said political analyst Kristen Tate. “We can’t have a functioning democracy if every disagreement is framed as a revival of 19th-century atrocities.”
This isn’t the first time Crockett has sparked national headlines with her comments. Just weeks ago, she claimed during a panel discussion that illegal immigration was necessary because “we [Black Americans] done picking cotton,” a remark critics said played into racial stereotypes and dismissed legitimate border security concerns.
While her defenders see Crockett’s comments as a bold stand against oppression, critics argue they reflect a broader issue within modern political discourse: the increasing tendency to equate disagreement with hatred, and policy debate with personal persecution.
“Expect more of this kind of incendiary language from figures who would rather divide than debate,” said GOP strategist Alex Conant. “It may fire up a base, but it does nothing to solve the real problems Americans are facing.”
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The Republicans would never enslave Crockett. They want her out there ranting and raving. They are hopeful she will run for President. That would ensure 4 more years by a Republican. She says Republicans love her. That’s correct. She makes the Republicans look good by comparison but she is too stupid to realize that. You go, girl.
Someone had to take the place of Sheila Jackson Lee.
FYI,people like you were put n chains by the Democrats that were slave owners on Plantations.Educate yourself if you are going to spew hate=racism.
Nah!!! We just want to change your first name to POISON IVY!