GOP Rep. faces backlash for controversial tweet: ‘Can’t restore’ U.S. with ‘somebody else’s babies’

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) is under fire for a controversial post he made on Twitter on Sunday, in which he appears to suggest the United States shouldn’t allow more immigrants to enter the country because it would prevent the restoration of “civilization.”

“[Geert] Wilders understands that culture and demographics are our destiny,” wrote King. “We can’t restore our civilization with somebody else’s babies.”

Geert Wilders is a right-wing, nationalist politician in the Netherlands who heads the Freedom Party. His party is currently leading in the polls anticipating the upcoming Dutch elections, which will be held on Wednesday.

One of Wilders’ most controversial positions is on immigration, especially as it relates to Muslims. According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Wilders has said he plans to “de-Islamise” the Netherlands, vowing to close mosques and Islamic schools and ban the Koran, the Islamic holy book.

King’s tweet was included alongside a post he shared by Twitter user Voice of Europe, which claims to provide “real news from a beautiful continent in danger” and describes itself as “Anti EU / Pro Europe / MAGA.” “MAGA” is an acronym for President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make American Great Again.”

In the post shared by King, Voice of Europe wrote, “Hundreds of Islamists shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Wilders is right for over 10 years.”

Alongside Voice of Europe’s post is a cartoon of Wilders plugging with his finger a hole in a giant concrete structure labeled “Western Civilization.” Crashing over the wall and seeping through the wall’s cracks is green liquid that’s embedded with Islamic symbols. In the background of the picture, two security guards stand side-by-side as a crowd of armed, angry Middle-Eastern-looking men approach. One of the cartoon men has a sword. Another appears to have bombs strapped to his chest. Two of the crowd members have signs. One reads, “Infidels, know your limits.” Another reads, “Freedom of speech, go to hell.”

The backlash against King’s tweet has been swift and fierce. The post has garnered more than 5,000 replies, most of which have been negative, just three hours after having been posted.

Writer Dennis Perkins suggests King is a Nazi. “You just can’t wait to accept the first detention center kommandant post, can you?” Perkins wrote.

Venture capitalist Peter Brack wrote, “You, Congressman, are simply a bigot. Good thing is, I know a lot of smart Dems eyeing your seat.”

Pat Garofalo, a Republican state representative in Minnesota, said, “Rep King is … A Fake conservative. A Fake Republican. But an authentic Cro-Magnon.”

King has yet to respond to the thousands of comments made against him or to clarify his remarks.