Psaki Swats Away Tlaib’s Call to Cancel the Criminal Justice System, Says That Biden Wants Reform Through Legislation

Last night, following the news of the fatal shooting by a police officer in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, U.S. House Rep Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who is a member of “The Squad,” tweeted out a call to cancel the criminal justice system.

“It wasn’t an accident. Policing in our country is inherently & intentionally racist. Daunte Wright was met with aggression & violence. I am done with those who condone government funded murder. No more policing, incarceration, and militarization. It can’t be reformed,” Tlaib said in the tweet.

Tlaib’s tweet drew a flurry of harsh responses from conservatives, who were backed up today by White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who swatted away the suggestion and made it clear that President Joe Biden does not feel the same way that Tlaib does.

When asked about the tweet, Psaki responded, “That’s not the president’s view. The president’s view is that there are necessary outdated reforms that should be put in place, that there is accountability that needs to happen, that the loss of life is far too high, that these families are suffering around the country, that the Black community is exhausted from the ongoing threats they feel.”

Psaki added that Biden believes in using legislation, specifically the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which “can put many of these necessary reforms in place” and that Biden believes that it is important for communities to rebuild trust “to get to a better place.”

Former GOP U.S. House candidate Kim Klacik was one of the top replies to Tlaib’s tweet and she said, “Another way to say I can afford to live in a completely safe neighborhood & I don’t care about those who can not afford to move.”

Another way to say I can afford to live in a completely safe neighborhood & I don’t care about those who can not afford to move.

— Kimberly Klacik (@kimKBaltimore) April 13, 2021

Conservative comedian Tim Young mocked Tlaib’s suggestion and said, “‘No more policing… and militarization’ is rich when you’re surrounded by a fence, security and National Guard troops in the Capitol…”

"No more policing… and militarization" is rich when you're surrounded by a fence, security and National Guard troops in the Capitol…

— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) April 13, 2021

Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell summed up his thoughts by telling Tlaib, “You are crazy and dangerous!” Terrell then urged Tlaib to seek “immediate medical attention!”

You are crazy and dangerous! I suggest immediate medical attention!

— TheLeoTerrell (@TheLeoTerrell) April 13, 2021

More moderate Democrats that are up for re-election next year are also likely to be upset by Tlaib’s tweet, as many are trying to distance themselves from such rhetoric.

We will see if there are any repercussions for Tlaib, such as a censure or stripping of committee assignments.