Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev., a Democrat representing a closely divided swing district, is facing criticism for remarks she made to a liberal audience about wanting to "beat the s--- out of" Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, despite her public image as a bipartisan dealmaker.
The comments, made during an appearance last month before the Sun City Liberal Club in Las Vegas, came as Lee discussed her work supporting MP Materials, a Nevada-based company involved in U.S. critical minerals production. She told the group, "I want to be bipartisan. I want to work across the aisle," before adding, "Now listen, it’s so easy. It’s so easy. Like you just wanna beat the s--- out of him."
Lee's office stated that her remarks were made in the context of pressing Hegseth during a hearing on the Pentagon's decision to invest in an Australian company over a U.S.-based one. According to her spokesperson, Lee appealed to Hegseth by emphasizing a "made in America" stance and questioning the Pentagon's investment choices. The spokesperson added that Lee "set aside [her differences with Hegseth] on behalf of her constituents to secure an investment in a Nevada-based employer that will create hundreds of jobs in southern Nevada."
Lee's office further claimed that her exchange with Hegseth preceded a significant Defense Department investment in MP Materials, including a $400 million Pentagon commitment that made the federal government the company's largest shareholder and aimed to strengthen the U.S. rare earth magnet supply chain. "She will continue putting politics aside and working with anyone — regardless of party — to lower costs, create jobs, and make life better for her constituents," the spokesperson said.
However, Republicans have seized on Lee's remarks as evidence that her bipartisan branding is at odds with her private expressions. Mark Bednar, former head of communications for former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, suggested that such comments reveal a truth about Democrats and warned that they would focus on targeting former President Trump and his administration if they regain a majority.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Nick Poché criticized Lee's claim about influencing the MP Materials investment, accusing her of overstating her role. "Nevadans deserve a leader who will work to deliver for them, not posers whose only objective in office is to improve their stock portfolios like Susie Lee," Poché stated.
This is not the first time Lee has faced scrutiny for profanity-laced comments. In April, reports indicated that Lee deleted a social media post targeting former President Trump after facing backlash, which she later defended by stating her "nerve was touched" by perceived attacks on the Constitution.