A Republican US congressman decided a Hitler comparison was apt to criticize President Barack Obama’s absence at Saturday’s 'anti-terror’ march in Paris.
“Even Adolph Hitler thought it more important than Obama to get to Paris. (For all the wrong reasons.) Obama couldn’t do it for the right reasons,” tweeted GOP US Rep. Randy Weber, congressman for Texas’ 14th congressional district.
Even Adolph Hitler thought it more important than Obama to get to Paris. (For all the wrong reasons.) Obama couldn't do it for right reasons
— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) January 13, 2015
Adolf Hitler toured Paris in June 1940 after the successful German invasion and subsequent occupation of France.
The Obama administration has been lambasted in recent days over the decision not to send the president or any of his top officials to Saturday’s ‘Unity March’ in Paris, which included more than 40 world leaders who showed solidarity with the 17 victims of multiple attacks last week.
Jane Hartley, the US ambassador to France, was the highest-ranking US official to attend the rally. The event occurred four days after an assault on the offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo left 12 dead in Paris.
On Monday, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest bowed to criticism of the administration's decision.
“I think it’s fair to say that we should have sent someone with a higher profile to be there,” Earnest said, though he did not detail what Obama was doing during the rally.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), the fundraising body for congressional Democrats, has urged Republican House Speaker John Boehner to denounce Weber’s comment and his “toxic brand of politics,” according to the USA Today.
DCCC head Steve Israel called the tweet "vile," according to AP, saying Weber was "desecrating the victims of the Holocaust to make a political point."
The National Jewish Democratic Council has called for an apology from Weber.
Weber apologized Tuesday afternoon "to all those offended by my tweet," according to the Texas Tribune's Abby Livingston.
Weber: I need to 1st apologize to all those offended by my tweet...not my intention to trivialize Holocaust nor compare President to Hitler
— Abby Livingston (@TexasTribAbby) January 13, 2015
"The mention of Hitler was meant to represent the face of evil that still exists in the world today. I now realize that the use of Hitler invokes pain and emotional trauma for those affected by the atrocities of the Holocaust and victims of anti-Semitism and hate," he added.
Weber has taken to Twitter in the past to sensationally slam Obama for being “Kommandant-in-chef” and a “socialist dictator,” among other provocations.
On floor of house waitin on "Kommandant-In-Chef"... the Socialistic dictator who's been feeding US a line or is it "A-Lying?"
— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) January 29, 2014
Kath-Lean Left She'll-Bill-Us testifies today in front of Congress. Wonder if this, too is Bush's fault...lol...rw
— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) October 30, 2013
Minimalize Obama's lies, keep our eyes on the prize: "The beautiful for spacious skies." America matters Mr. President. Put America first!
— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) November 18, 2014
Pres is the face of Border Crisis. So he won't show his face at the Border Crisis . He never said "If you like your country, u can keep it"
— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) July 24, 2014
Obama is the "Face of the Border Crisis" Perhaps that 's why he won't show it on Border. It's time to put America 1st. He doesn't want US#1
— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) July 15, 2014
More job killing regs coming from EPA. White House can't tell Americans the truth, can't fix economy but can think they change the weather?
— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) May 29, 2014