Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Rashida Tlaib. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
Rashida Tlaib is a U.S. Representative from Michigan, serving since 2019. As a member of the Democratic Party, she holds the distinction of being the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress, alongside being one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. Her political career is marked by her advocacy and representation of Michigan's 12th congressional district. Tlaib's election signifies a shift in American politics, representing a more diverse and inclusive Congress.
In 2014, Rashida Tlaib lost the Democratic primary for the Michigan Senate to incumbent Virgil Smith Jr.
In August 2016, Rashida Tlaib protested a speech given by Donald Trump at Cobo Center and was ejected from the venue.
In 2018, J Street, a pro-Israel Jewish organization, withdrew its endorsement of Rashida Tlaib due to her support for a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In January 2019, Rashida Tlaib criticized anti-BDS legislation, leading to criticism from groups like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
In June 2019, Rashida Tlaib was one of four Democratic representatives to vote against the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, a $4.5 billion border funding bill.
On August 15, 2019, Israel announced that Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar would be denied entry into the country.
On November 14, 2019, the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into whether Rashida Tlaib used congressional campaign money for personal expenses.
In August 2020, the House Ethics Committee directed Rashida Tlaib to reimburse her campaign $10,800.
On November 5, 2021, Rashida Tlaib was among six House Democrats who broke with their party to vote against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act because it was decoupled from the social safety net provisions in the Build Back Better Act.
In 2021, Rashida Tlaib voted to impeach President Donald Trump for the second time.
In 2022, Rashida Tlaib introduced a resolution aimed at recognizing the Nakba, asserting that a just and lasting peace requires addressing the injustices towards the Palestinian people and endorsing their right of return.
On July 18, 2023, Rashida Tlaib, along with eight other progressive Democrats, voted against a congressional resolution affirming that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state and reiterating U.S. support for Israel.
During the October 2023 Israel–Hamas war, Tlaib released a statement grieving the loss of life on both sides, calling for dismantling the apartheid system, and demanding an end to unconditional U.S. support for Israel. She condemned Hamas's attack and advocated for a ceasefire.
On October 26, 2023, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a resolution to censure Rashida Tlaib for her criticism of Israel, but the resolution did not pass.
On November 3, 2023, Rashida Tlaib criticized the United States' support for Israel's bombing of Gaza and accused President Biden of supporting the alleged genocide of Palestinians, sharing an antiwar video on Twitter with the hashtag '#CeasefireNow'.
In 2023, Rashida Tlaib and Congresswoman Cori Bush were the only two representatives to vote against a resolution recognizing National Police Week.
In 2023, Rashida Tlaib introduced a resolution aimed at recognizing the Nakba, asserting that a just and lasting peace requires addressing the injustices towards the Palestinian people and endorsing their right of return. This action drew criticism from Senators Rosen and Kennedy.
In September 2024, Rashida Tlaib faced criticism for allegedly insinuating that Dana Nessel was prosecuting pro-Palestinian protesters because she is Jewish.
In November 3, 2023, Rashida Tlaib tweeted an antiwar video accusing President Biden of supporting the genocide of the Palestinian people and warning that this could affect his support in the 2024 elections.