The ongoing tension between former President Donald Trump and progressive members of Congress escalated this week after Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) made controversial remarks about former First Lady Melania Trump during a House Judiciary Committee hearing. Critics across social media and political circles have accused Crockett of crossing the line with personal attacks.

While discussing immigration policy, Crockett shifted focus from President Trump’s record to his wife’s immigration history. She mocked Melania’s modeling background and questioned how she qualified for the EB-1 visa, also known as the “Einstein visa,” which is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in specific fields. “Melania, the first lady — a model, and when I say model, I’m not talking Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell-level — applied for and was given an EB-1 visa,” Crockett said sarcastically.

The Texas congresswoman escalated her critique by reciting the visa’s qualifications, which include major awards or international recognition in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. “Last time I checked, the first lady had none of those accolades under her belt,” she said. “It doesn’t take an Einstein to see that the math ain’t mathin’ here.”

Melania Trump, originally from Slovenia, obtained the EB-1 visa in the early 2000s and became a U.S. citizen in 2006. Her defenders argue that her modeling success and media exposure qualified her for the visa under the “arts” category.

The backlash was swift. According to the New York Post, social media users accused Crockett of being “jealous,” “cruel,” and “classless.” Critics defended Melania’s multilingual abilities and accused Crockett of disrespecting immigrants and women.

This incident comes just days after Donald Trump lashed out at Crockett and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), mocking them as the face of Democratic leadership after a socialist candidate won the New York mayoral primary. Trump, in a Truth Social post, suggested Crockett be nominated for president, calling her a “low IQ candidate,” in his characteristic combative style.

The controversy underscores the intensifying personal and political rhetoric shaping the 2025 political landscape.