Qatar slams US lawmaker over allegations of funding anti-Israel protests: What to know
Rep. Randy Fine criticized Qatar for allegedly backing Gaza war-related protests at American universities after the Pentagon said Qatari pilots would start training in the US, leading to a denial and rebuke from Doha.
Republican Congressman Randy Fine vowed to not back down on Monday after the Qatari Embassy publicly denied his accusation that the country funds anti-Israel protests in the United States.
What happened: Fine, who represents Florida’s 6th Congressional District, earlier this month made the accusation during an appearance on right-wing anti-Islam activist Laura Loomer's show on Rumble. In an Oct. 18 appearance, Loomer asked Fine his thoughts on the Trump administration announcing that Qatari pilots would train at a new facility in the US state of Idaho.
Fine said he trusts US President Donald Trump’s “judgment” on the issue but went on to criticize the Gulf state, saying he is “not a fan.”
“I think they fund most of the institutions that are damaging the country,” said Fine. “I think they’re responsible for much of what we see on our college campuses and universities. I think they’re responsible for many of these protests. I think they’re responsible for groups like [the Council on American-Islamic Relations] and these others that are just big problems.”
