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DNC Chair Ken Martin Compares U.S. to Iran, Doubles Down After Backlash

He refused to retract the comparison despite rapid criticism from the Trump administration.

Overview

  • Martin posted on X that protesters in both countries face governments 'killing protesters' and engaging in 'authoritarian behavior,' linking events in Tehran and Minneapolis.
  • He tied his remarks to demonstrations after the Jan. 7 ICE-involved shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis; federal officials say she accelerated her SUV toward an agent before he opened fire.
  • The Trump administration publicly condemned the comparison on social media, characterizing U.S. demonstrators as fundamentally different from Iranians risking death under a theocratic regime.
  • Martin followed with additional posts repeating the claim, rebuking critics as a 'MAGA ghoul,' attacking President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and adding, 'See you at the ballot box in 2026.'
  • Reports cited by coverage note a far deadlier crackdown in Iran, with human-rights monitors including HRANA estimating at least 544 killed and more than 10,681 arrested since late December.