Massie opposes Hill efforts on antisemitism, cites free speech, ‘not illegal to be antisemitic’

GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, known for his strong libertarian views, is joined fellow House conservatives in opposition to congressional efforts to reign in antisemitism, arguing for free speech, “It’s not illegal to be antisemitic.”

Massie comments were reported Wednesday by the Punchbowl News. 

“Congress should just stay out of these fights to crack down on free speech,” he said, amid the Trump administration’s to remand colleges across the U.S. do more to stop antisemitism on campus, or risk losing federal funding. 

The Kentucky lawmaker spoke after House GOP leadership pulled a bill this week that sought to prevent U.S. citizens from participating in anti-Israel boycotts. 

Massie, along with fellow Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene opposed the bill.

“I will be voting NO,” Greene posted on X on Sunday, before the bill was pulled. “It is my job to defend Americans’ rights to buy or boycott whomever they choose without the government harshly fining them or imprisoning them. 

“But what I don’t understand is why we are voting on a bill on behalf of other countries and not the President’s executive orders that are FOR OUR COUNTRY???”

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said that there shouldn’t be congressional action against antisemitism because most people know it’s wrong.

“We shouldn’t do anything further with antisemitism,” Norman said. “I don’t know how you define it. It’s subjective.”