King Tweets “Diversity is not our strength”

Chris Anderson

Rep. Steve King, R-Ia, tweeted twice Friday morning denouncing diversity and calling for cultural assimilation in America.

King, who represents Iowa’s 4th District which includes Ames, has been a vocal supporter of President Trump and anti-immigration policies.

King tweeted a link to an anti-Islamic and anti-immigrant website Voice of Europe, “Hungary’s PM: Mixing cultures will not lead to a higher quality of life but to a lower one.”

“Diversity is not our strength. Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban, ‘Mixing cultures will not lead to a higher quality of life but a lower one,’” King tweeted along with a link to the article which shows a photo of a refugee camp.

Two minutes later King sent out a second tweet expanding on this.

“Assimilation has become a dirty word to the multiculturalist Left. Assimilation, not diversity, is our American strength,” King tweeted.

King has met controversy for his statements in the past. In March, King claimed in a tweet “We can’t restore our civilization with somebody else’s babies.”

Dr. Reginald Stewart, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Iowa State, stated the University has been clear on their position on diversity when asked to respond.

Stewart referred to the 2004 Iowa State University Principles of community, specifically “Richness of Diversity: We recognize and cherish the richness and diversity in our university experience. Furthermore, we strive to increase the diversity of ideas, cultures and experiences throughout the university community.”

King has represented the state of Iowa since first being elected in 2002. He won his last election by an over 20 point margin against Democratic candidate, Kim Weaver.

Five Democrats are currently running for the nomination to run against King, with fundraising currently led by Leann Jacobsen and J.D. Scholten.