Jasmine Crockett questions Melania Trump’s EB-1 visa eligibility: 'The math ain’t mathin'

WASHINGTON, DC: A routine House Judiciary Committee hearing on visa policy erupted into a fiery exchange on Wednesday, June 25, as Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) took direct aim at first lady Melania Trump’s immigration history, questioning her qualifications for the elite EB-1 visa — often dubbed the “Einstein visa.”

Crockett also criticized the Trump administration’s handling of travel bans and alleged abuses in visa revocation, according to The Daily Beast.

Melania Trump’s visa sparks uproar at heated House hearing

“Integrity isn’t snatching lawful visa holders off the streets and throwing them into unmarked vans,” Crockett said, adding, “Integrity is not revoking visas based on social media posts that hurt somebody’s little feelings because kids decided they wanted to go after Trump or this administration. We have a thing called free speech in this country.”

She also sharply criticized the granting of an EB-1 visa to Trump, typically reserved for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in fields such as science, art, education, or athletics.

“Let me tell you how you receive an Einstein visa. You’re supposed to have some sort of significant achievement — like being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize or a Pulitzer, being an Olympic medalist, or having other sustained extraordinary abilities and success in science, arts, education, business, or athletics,” she said. “Last time I checked, the first lady had none of those accolades under her belt.”

Trump, who moved to the US in the 1990s as a model and later became a citizen in 2006, has long faced questions about her path to permanent residency.

“Melania, the first lady, a model — and when I say model, I’m not talking about Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, or Naomi Campbell-level — applied for and was given an EB-1 visa,” Crockett said. “It doesn’t take an Einstein to see that the math ain’t mathin here.”

The sharp critique prompted laughter and an unexpected defense from Alex Nowrasteh of the libertarian Cato Institute. “I want to defend Melania. Not everyone could marry Donald Trump,” Nowrasteh said, smiling. “I think that’s quite an achievement. She deserves credit for that. Nobody up here could’ve done it.”

Crockett clapped back saying, “You sure are right,” she quipped. “I couldn’t have done it.”

Internet reacts after Jasmine Crockett questions Melania Trump’s visa

A fiery online debate erupted this week after Crockett publicly questioned first lady’s immigration history. The remark, made during a heated exchange on Capitol Hill, sparked swift and sharp reactions across social media.

Many users felt Crockett’s comment was uncalled for, with one writing, “I am a fan of Jasmine but this was rude and unnecessary.”

Supporters of Trump rushed to her defense, pointing to her background and education, “Melania was at least in the top tier of her profession, whereas Ms Crockett is in the bottom of the lowest tier for her profession.”

“Melania Trump can speak 6 languages fluently. Jasmine Crockett isn't even smart enough to speak one language fluently,” one wrote.

Some users escalated the critique, with remarks that sparked controversy of their own, “Our First Lady speaks 7 languages, Jasmine is still trying to master Ebonics.”

Others condemned the congresswoman’s tone, viewing it as a cheap political jab, “Melania has class. Unlike Crockett who is attempting to belittle someone for no other reason than a political hit.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.