Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has called for the FBI to investigate protests calling for a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, suggesting that some of the anti-war demonstrations are linked to Russia. During an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” the former House speaker stated that some of the protesters are “connected” to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pelosi suggests that the calls for a cease-fire align with Putin’s message. For her, these connections can be seen in the Ukrainian conflict, where Putin continues to exert pressure on the Ukrainian government.
Pelosi asserts that she has looked at the situation extensively and believes that some of the protests are “spontaneous and organic and sincere.” Yet, for her, some are “connected to Russia.” When asked whether she believes some of the protesters are Russian plants, Pelosi emphasizes that she wants the FBI to investigate the matter and that “some financing should be investigated.”
Regarding the 2024 presidential election, Pelosi’s spokesperson states that the congresswoman is concerned about foreign adversaries meddling in the election. As a result, she supports peaceful protests, but she wants the FBI to investigate the funding of some of the anti-war demonstrations.
Pelosi’s call for an FBI investigation comes as tensions remain high in Israel and the Gaza Strip. The latest conflict erupted on May 10th when Hamas launched a rocket attack on Jerusalem, followed by Israeli strikes on Gaza. Over the ensuing days, both sides engaged in tit-for-tat violence, resulting in many deaths and injuries.
The conflict has sparked a range of responses worldwide, with corporations and policymakers coming out on different sides of the issue. For example, some large corporations, including Ben & Jerry’s, have chosen to boycott Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. In contrast, many policymakers in the United States have criticized Hamas’s use of rockets against innocent civilians.
Despite this, many have criticized Pelosi’s call to investigate protesters and their funding. For some, the suggestion that protesters caring about Palestinian lives are automatically connected to an enemy foreign power is concerning. Still, for Pelosi, the potential connection between some of these protesters and Russia represents an issue that must be addressed.