'Let's talk about the Nazis': Maine lawmaker stands by comments that sparked swift backlash

A Republican state lawmaker is doubling down on her recent comments after a video of her defending Nazi groups’ right to demonstrate sparked widespread outrage.

Rep. Laurel Libby of Augusta, Maine, spoke on the state House's floor last Wednesday in opposition to a bill that would restrict unauthorized paramilitary training, a move she considers unconstitutional. Libby said her remarks were taken out of context in a 41-second clip the Maine House Democratic Campaign Committee shared to X, formerly known as Twitter.

In the video, which has now been viewed more than 288,000 times, Libby posed a rhetorical question referencing neo-Nazi demonstrations that took place last year in Maine.

“Let’s talk about the Nazis,” she said. “I would like to know what they did that was illegal. I would like to know what they did, in detail if folks would like to share, what they did that was wrong, that infringed on another person’s right. Holding a rally, and even holding a rally with guns, is not illegal.”

The bill Libby criticized would target unauthorized, paramilitary training in Maine, and it was reportedly prompted by a planned neo-Nazi training camp in a rural part of the state. Christopher Pohlhaus, a prominent white supremacist figure, had tried to create a training center in the area.

Libby expressed concerns that the bill would violate the First and Second Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It ultimately passed by a one-vote margin.

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In the caption of its post on X, the Maine House Democratic Campaign Committee criticized Libby and vowed to fight against "MAGA extremism" in the state, referencing former President Donald Trump's "Make American Great Again" slogan.

Libby said the post was an “intentional manipulation of the facts” and that it was “disrespectful” to use her comments to achieve a fundraising goal. The Democratic group linked to a fundraising page for Libby's opponent in an upcoming election.

Since the public backlash, she has stood by her comments, saying that her primary concern is protecting Maine citizens' rights to free speech and association, regardless of whether she agrees with them.

She compared the neo-Nazi demonstrations to someone burning the American flag or kneeling for the national anthem.

“I don’t have to like those actions, but it is my job to protect them,” Libby told USA TODAY. “We don't have to like the neo-Nazi activities. They have a right to free speech and the freedom of association.”

As backlash to the video grew, Democratic lawmakers and leaders in the state quickly chimed in on X with their reactions.

“You ever been at work, just doing your job and enjoying the day when one of your coworkers stands up and asks why Nazis are so bad? No? Well, lemme tell ya ‘bout my day,” State Rep. Amy Roeder said.

Former Maine Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau accused Libby of "grandstanding on the House floor to fundraise" in a post on X.

Libby posted a five-and-a-half minute video of her full remarks on the House floor Wednesday to her Facebook page, inspiring additional debate in the comment section.

The Maine House Democratic Campaign Committee, Maine Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, who is a Democrat, and the Maine Republican Party could not be immediately reached for comment.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maine lawmaker defends comments about Nazis, paramilitary groups