United Voices has voiced strong opposition to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent claims on CNN, where she alleged that protesters advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza might be under Russian influence. Pelosi further suggested that the FBI should investigate the sources of funding for these protests.

The organization expresses deep concern over Pelosi’s baseless assertions, equating them to an authoritarian impulse to discredit legitimate protest. Such allegations recall darker times in American history, notably the era of the Vietnam War, when dissent was often met with accusations of foreign allegiance and undue FBI scrutiny.

The call for a ceasefire in Gaza has galvanized hundreds of thousands across the nation, including a broad coalition of young people, progressive activists, and diverse communities such as Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, and Black Americans. This movement reflects the sentiments of millions more across the country who, according to numerous polls, overwhelmingly support a ceasefire, with a particularly strong consensus among Democrats.

By insinuating that these protests are somehow influenced by foreign actors, Pelosi’s comments ignore the genuine, grassroots nature of this advocacy and perpetuate the long-standing dehumanization of the Palestinian people. United Voices urges political leaders to listen to the American public’s demand for an end to the hostilities in Gaza, rather than casting doubt on the integrity and motivations of those calling for peace.