Florida Rep. Randy Fine Explains Remarks on Armenians Serving in Congress
Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine clarified comments he made on a talk show about Armenians serving in Congress, stating he referred to foreign citizens. The remarks targeted his primary opponent Dan Bilzerian, who is of Armenian descent. The Armenian National Committee of America condemned the statements.
Florida Legislature / Wikimedia (Public domain)Randy Fine explained comments he made during an appearance on the Jenny Beth Show last week. He stated that his remark about not wanting Armenians to serve in Congress referred to individuals who are citizens of foreign countries. Fine made the comments while discussing his Republican congressional primary opponent, social media influencer Dan Bilzerian, who is of Armenian descent.
Fine claimed Bilzerian is a citizen of a foreign country. In a post on X dated May 3, 2026, Fine wrote that Armenians should not serve in Congress, nor should Somalis, Guatemalans, or Israelis. He added that citizens of foreign countries should not serve in the U.S. Congress and called for passage of his bill to address dual citizens in Congress.
The remarks drew criticism from the Armenian National Committee of America. The organization stated in a social media post on May 2, 2026, that it condemned Fine's comments. The group described the statements as discriminatory and linked them to Fine's support for a congressional resolution involving Azerbaijan.
Fine had criticized Bilzerian on several points during the show, including his residence in Las Vegas, Nevada, and alleged antisemitism. Fine also referenced Bilzerian's comments about President Trump. He emphasized that such views would not resonate in the United States.
Fine described Bilzerian as living in Las Vegas when not in Armenia. The controversy stems from Fine's efforts to highlight what he sees as issues with Bilzerian's background and views.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2026-05-03
Rep. Randy Fine posted on X clarifying his remarks and advocating for a bill against dual citizens in Congress.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - 2026-05-02
The Armenian National Committee of America posted on social media condemning Fine's comments.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - Last week
Rep. Randy Fine made remarks on the Jenny Beth Show about Armenians serving in Congress while discussing opponent Dan Bilzerian.
1 sourceWashington Examiner
Potential Impact
- 01
Fine's bill on dual citizens may gain attention in congressional discussions.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
SemaforHouse Republicans Pass Immigration Enforcement Bill With East Wing Security Funding
Republicans introduced a party-line immigration enforcement bill on May 6, 2026, that allocates $1 billion for security upgrades at President Donald Trump’s East Wing project. The project has an estimated cost of $400 million and includes a ballroom that Trump has said would be f…
White House Shares Iran Sanctions Graphic from Foundation for Defense of Democracies as Trump Appoints Former FDD Official to Negotiations Team
The White House rapid response account posted a Foundation for Defense of Democracies graphic last week that incorrectly attributed accelerated Iranian uranium enrichment to sanctions relief under former President Joe Biden. Rep. Russell Fry described Iran as a "petulant child" t…
Spirit Airlines Ceases Operations After Filing for Bankruptcy
The budget carrier announced an immediate orderly wind-down on Saturday after negotiations for a $500 million rescue deal failed. Jet fuel costs had doubled since the US-Israel war in Iran began at the end of February, delivering a final blow to the airline as it emerged from its…