Rep. Fukumoto May Leave Republican Party After Trump Criticism

Republicans in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives on Wednesday ousted Rep. Beth Fukumoto of Mililani from her role as House Minority Leader after she criticized President Donald Trump and spoke out against his treatment of women and minorities at the Women’s March in Honolulu last month.

Rep. Fukumoto said she was asked by her party and caucus to commit to not criticizing the President for the remainder of his term, a commitment she said she could not make.

“As a representative of my community, it is my job to hold leaders accountable and to work with anyone, regardless of party, to make Hawaii a better place for our families,” said Rep. Fukumoto.

Rep. Fukumoto sent a letter to her district on Wednesday explaining that she would like to leave the Republican Party and seek membership in the Democratic Party, and sought input and consultation from her constituents before any decision is made.

Leaders of the Women’s March stood in support of Fukumoto, thanking her for being a part of the global movement and calling efforts to oust her from her leadership role “Un-American.”