GOP Lawmaker Faces Backlash From Armenian Americans Over 'Racist Rant'
Florida Republican Representative Randy Fine is facing backlash from Armenian American groups after making derogatory remarks about Armenians during a podcast appearance. Fine stated that 'we don't want Armenians to be able to serve in Congress' while criticizing his primary challenger Dan Bilzerian. The comments have drawn condemnation from the Armenian National Committee of America, which accused Fine of racism and supporting Azerbaijan's actions against Armenians.
- ▪Representative Randy Fine made the remarks during an appearance on The Jenny Beth Show while attacking his GOP primary opponent Dan Bilzerian.
- ▪Fine claimed Bilzerian is a dangerous antisemite and referenced an Israeli government list that ranked him first among global antisemitic influencers in 2025.
- ▪The Armenian National Committee of America condemned Fine's comments as racist and disqualifying for public office.
- ▪Fine has supported legislation backing Azerbaijan, which ANCA says conducted ethnic cleansing of Armenian Christians from Nagorno-Karabakh.
- ▪Aram Hamparian, executive director of ANCA, called Fine a 'hate-filled bigot' with no place in Congress.
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By Adeola AdeosunWeekend Night EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Representative Randy Fine, a Florida Republican, is facing backlash from an Armenian American advocacy group after telling a podcast host that "we don't want Armenians to be able to serve in Congress"—a remark made during an attack on his GOP primary challenger Dan Bilzerian.The congressman's remarks arrive at a moment of heightened scrutiny over discriminatory rhetoric in Republican primary contests, and from a lawmaker who has been endorsed three times by President Donald Trump.
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