Nancy Pelosi has defended herself after she was accused of pushing the daughter of a newly elected Republican congresswoman at her swearing-in ceremony.
Rep. Mayra Flores from Texas was sworn-in by the House Speaker last week, making history to become the first Mexican-born congresswoman to serve in the House, when the incident happened as she posed for a photograph at the White House.
Flores took to Twitter to attack Pelosi and say ‘no child should be pushed aside’. She is mom to four children, and hasn’t released their names or ages – but the youngster pushed appears to be the second-youngest.
However, Pelosi’s spokesman Drew Hamill denied Flores’ allegation, and said the Speaker was actually trying to ensure the youngster remained in the frame.
He also accused ‘news outlets’ of twisting the story, despite Flores herself making the claim on Twitter.
He said: ‘It’s sad to see “news outlets” that know better misrepresent the Speaker’s effort to ensure Rep. Flores’ daughters wouldn’t be hidden behind her in all of the photos of such an important moment for their family.’
A newly elected Republican congresswoman has accused Nancy Pelosi of ‘pushing’ her young daughter to the side during a photo op
The shoving controversy erupted as this official swearing-in picture was being taken
Flores, 36, who is married to a Border Patrol agent, and has four children, said on Twitter: ‘No child should be pushed to the side for a photo op. PERIOD!!
‘I am so proud of my strong, beautiful daughter for not allowing this to faze her.
‘She continued to smile and pose for the picture like a Queen.’
Video on social media shows Pelosi gesturing and beckoning over the family pastor.
She then looks down at the young girl and appears to move her elbow towards her as the daughter moves away.
Rep. Mayra Flores from Texas was getting sworn-in by the House Speaker last week when she posed for a photograph at the White House
The congresswoman’s two daughters were standing beside Pelosi who appeared to ‘elbow’ one of them during the ceremony
Pelosi’s spokesman Drew Hamill denied the House Speaker had been trying to shove the youngster out of the way
Flores did not appear to notice it at the time but she since commented after the footage was widely shared.
Actor turned Republican commentator James Woods said: ‘I love this princess stood her ground, while Nancy showed her true colors.’
Flores made history by becoming the first Mexican-born congress member after winning a special election this month to replace Texas Democrat, Rep. Filemon Vela, who retired before the end of his term.
During the ceremony, Pelosi said: ‘It’s a great honor to welcome Congresswoman Flores to the Capitol and to the Congress of the United States with great congratulations.
And again, grateful for her leadership and her beautiful family who is here today.
‘Thank you Congresswoman Flores for your courage to run for office and best wishes for your success. It’s an honor to work with you.’
MailOnline has contacted Pelosi for comment on the video.
Flores became the first Mexican-born congress member after winning a special election
Flores, a GOP organizer who is the daughter of migrant workers and a respiratory care practitioner, will hold the seat for several months
Flores, a GOP organizer who is the daughter of migrant workers and a respiratory care practitioner, will hold the seat for several months before the district is redrawn to be more favorable to Democrats.
But her victory in the heavily Hispanic Rio Grand Valley is an ominous sign for Democrats – and demonstrates that Republicans are making inroads with Hispanic voters.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he had voted for Republican for the first time in order to vote for Flores.
He tweeted: ‘I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican. Massive red wave in 2022.
Flores lauded former President Donald Trump in her victory speech.
‘We have to state the facts: That under President Trump, we did not have this mess in this country,’ she said. ‘And I want to see the Hispanic community rise up. And I want equal representation on both parties – I am the first Mexican-American ever elected to Congress,’ she said to cheers.
Flores’ win makes her the first Mexican-born American to serve in the US House, but also the first Republican Latina from the state of Texas to serve.
Flores had 51 per cent of the vote compared to Sanchez’s 43 per cent when the Democrat conceded the race in a district where 85 per cent of residents are Latino.
Her victory also has implications for Democrats’ ambitions in Congress, denying Pelosi an opportunity to add to her slim two-vote margin to pass legislation.
Flores, who has echoed Trump’s fraudulent election claims, immigrated to the United States when she was six-years-old from Burgos Tamaulipas in Mexico and her parents were farmworkers in Texas.
Republican Mayra Flores (pictured hugging a supporter in San Benito, Texas, before the results were announced) made history this month by becoming the first Mexican-born congresswoman to serve in the House after beating a Democrat in a primary election in Texas
During her childhood, Flores worked alongside her parents in the cotton fields in Memphis to earn extra money for school clothes and supplies.
She graduated in 2014 as a Respiratory Care Practitioner and currently works caring for the elderly and disabled with chronic respiratory issues – and has helped those suffering COVID-19.
Flores later graduated with a Bachelors in Organizational Leadership, and now serves as the Hidalgo County GOP Hispanic Outreach Chair.
Flores, who is Pro-Life, Pro-Second Amendment, and Pro-Law Enforcement, has four children with her Border Patrol agent husband, and promotes strict immigration policies.
According to her website, Flores believes in fortifying the legal immigration system, securing the borders, lowering the costs of healthcare, lowering taxes, promoting small businesses, and less government.
Flores faces another election in November against Democrat nominee Vicente Gonzalez.