Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib bashed her own party’s leadership after reports that the Democratic National Convention (DNC) denied a request from the “uncommitted” movement to have a Palestinian American speak on the final night of the Democrats’ national showcase.

Leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement—which led thousands of voters in the spring to cast uncommitted ballots in the Democratic primaries in protest of White House policies over the war in Gaza—say that they have negotiated with DNC leaders for weeks to allow a pro-Palestinian speaker to address party members and delegates in Chicago this week.

At some point late Wednesday, however, a DNC official told the progressive movement that the speaker request was denied. A sit-in was staged outside the DNC venue in response, by uncommitted delegates and pro-Palestinian activists.

New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke out in support of the uncommitted delegates earlier Wednesday, writing on X, formerly Twitter, that “To deny that story is to participate in the dehumanization of Palestinians. The @DNC must change course and affirm our shared humanity.”

Tlaib, the first Palestinian American to serve in Congress, was even more critical of her party’s leaders Thursday evening, writing to X, “I know for a fact that the @DNC did not act in good faith and continue to lie about the negotiations. They are exposing themselves.”

Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar has also expressed support for the uncommitted delegates’ request, as has Texas Representative Greg Casar, who was seen speaking with protesters participating in the sit-in Thursday evening.

The pushback from progressive Democrats comes ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris’ keynote speech Thursday night, where she will become the first Black and Asian American woman to accept a major political party’s nomination for president.

This is a developing story and will be updated as further information becomes available.

Uncommitted delegates hold a news conference outside the United Center before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 22. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib bashed her own party’s leadership after reports that the convention denied a…
Uncommitted delegates hold a news conference outside the United Center before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 22. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib bashed her own party’s leadership after reports that the convention denied a request to have a Palestinian American speak on the final night.

AP Photo/Matt Rourke