Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) on Thursday found himself in a controversy after he verbally abused a group of teenage Senate pages in the Capitol rotunda.
What Happened: According to a transcript obtained by The Hill, Van Orden used strong language against the pages, calling them “jacka**es” and “pieces of s***,” and stating he didn't “give a f*** who you are.”
The pages, who are 16- and 17-year-olds assisting Senate operations, were resting in the rotunda due to the Senate working late on National Defense Authorization Act amendments.
"Wake the f*** up you little s***.… What the f*** are you all doing? Get the f*** out of here. You are defiling the space you [pieces of S***]," Van Orden said, according to the account provided by the page.
"Who the f*** are you?" Orden asked.
"I don't give a f*** who you are, get out," he then said.
"You jacka**es, get out," he added.
Why It Matters: Van Orden’s outburst was met with outrage by members of the upper chamber, with one describing the remarks as “horrible.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) later defended the pages on the Senate floor, expressing shock at Van Orden’s refusal to apologize.
See Also: Marjorie Taylor Greene Says ‘Abortion Is Not Healthcare’ In Address To ‘Amazing Women’ In Military
The incident also highlights Van Orden’s temperament, which has been a point of contention in the past, including a reported threat against a 17-year-old library page in his home state over a gay pride display.
Van Orden defended his actions, citing the historical significance of the United States Capitol Rotunda as a field hospital during the Civil War. He argued that the place should be treated with respect for the dead, drawing a parallel with Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo by U.S. House of Representatives on Wikimedia Commons
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