DNC Vice Chair Kenyatta Blasts Trump as "Punk," Accuses Administration of "Modern-Day Book Burning"
A high-ranking official within the Democratic National Committee (DNC) ignited a firestorm of controversy over the weekend with scathing remarks directed at former President Donald Trump, labeling him a "punk" and accusing his administration of engaging in a form of modern-day censorship akin to book burning. Malcolm Kenyatta, a DNC vice chairman and Pennsylvania state representative, delivered the impassioned rebuke during a town hall event held just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event, ostensibly focused on targeting Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, quickly became a platform for Kenyatta to denounce what he characterized as authoritarian tendencies within the Trump administration.
Kenyatta’s remarks, captured in a clip circulated by the left-leaning news outlet "The Keystone," painted a stark picture of the Trump era, suggesting that the former president’s actions mirrored those of historical dictators seeking to erase or rewrite history.
"There is a strategy of authoritarians and would-be dictators and punks like Donald Trump," Kenyatta declared to the crowd gathered in Levittown. "As part of that strategy, one of the first things they go after is history. We know that before, they used to take the books, put them in a little pile and burn them. Now they try to delete stuff off of our federal websites. But the effect is the same. They want us to forget what we are made of."
The DNC vice chair specifically pointed to instances where content related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, climate change, and gender ideology had been altered or removed from government websites under Trump’s leadership. Kenyatta argued that these actions constituted a deliberate attempt to distort the historical record and suppress viewpoints that did not align with the administration’s agenda.
Drawing upon Pennsylvania’s historical context, Kenyatta further asserted that Americans, particularly those in the Keystone State, have a long-standing tradition of resisting authoritarian rule. He referenced the state’s founding by Quakers and other religious exiles who sought refuge from European monarchs and oppressive regimes.
"Donald Trump is not the first bully or would-be authoritarian that Americans have taken on," Kenyatta stated. "We know it here in Pennsylvania. We don’t have a good relationship with kings. I’m not bowing to a king."
Kenyatta also took aim at Congressman Fitzpatrick, accusing him of lacking the "guts" to stand up to Trump and his policies. The remarks underscore the intensifying political pressure on Fitzpatrick, who represents a swing district that has become a key battleground in the upcoming elections.
The DNC vice chair’s criticism extended beyond Trump and Fitzpatrick, touching upon the arrest of Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. Kenyatta defended Baraka’s actions, arguing that the mayor was peacefully protesting and advocating for his constituents.
"He was peacefully protesting and speaking up for his constituents and his neighbors," Kenyatta said. "He wasn’t inciting an insurrection… because if he was doing that, they might have offered him a position in the Cabinet."
The remarks were interpreted by some as a veiled reference to the events surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot and the subsequent appointments made by the Trump administration.
Kenyatta’s political career has been marked by both successes and setbacks. He previously finished third in the 2022 Pennsylvania Senate primary, which was ultimately won by Senator John Fetterman. He also unsuccessfully ran for auditor general in 2024, losing to the Republican incumbent, Timothy DeFoor. Despite these defeats, Kenyatta remains a prominent figure within the Democratic Party and a vocal advocate for progressive causes. He is also the state representative for the Temple University area of North Philadelphia, and the first openly gay person of color to serve in the Pennsylvania State legislature in Harrisburg.
The White House swiftly responded to Kenyatta’s comments, with spokesperson Harrison Fields dismissing the DNC vice chair as a "no-name state representative who was trounced in the Pennsylvania Senate primary due to his radical and unserious positions." Fields further stated that "the prominence the Democrat Party affords him reflects the party’s disarray and desire to satisfy its radical base."
Fox News Digital reached out to Congressman Fitzpatrick for comment but had not received a response as of the time of this report.
Kenyatta’s fiery rhetoric and accusations of "modern-day book burning" have undoubtedly amplified the political tensions already simmering in the lead-up to the next election cycle. The incident highlights the deep divisions within American society and the increasingly polarized nature of political discourse. The accusations of authoritariansim will likely reverberate and shape the conversation as candidates gear up for upcoming elections. His remarks underscore the highly charged atmosphere in which the future of American politics will unfold.
