Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) faced widespread criticism on Friday after participating in a demonstration outside the Capitol in which she banged on a metal container in a show of solidarity with protests alleging Israel is responsible for starvation conditions in Gaza.
The demonstration, known as a “pots and pans protest,” was part of a coordinated action intended to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Rashida Tlaib never met a terrorist organization she didn’t support https://t.co/MwLn2ebPHc
— Enguerrand VII de Coucy (@ingelramdecoucy) July 24, 2025
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Tlaib was filmed striking a metal item resembling a cafeteria tray while declaring, “Palestinian people, this is all for you.”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib bizarrely bangs a pot with a spoon at the U.S Capitol to protest on behalf of Palestinians pic.twitter.com/PcNgVk3rAo
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 25, 2025
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The protest comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
While Israel has maintained that its military actions are aimed at neutralizing threats from Hamas, some progressive activists and lawmakers have criticized the country’s operations and raised concerns about civilian suffering in Gaza.
Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and condemned Israeli airstrikes.
However, Friday’s display drew confusion and ridicule from various corners, including social media users and political commentators who questioned the purpose of the action.
The “pots and pans” protest is part of a larger international effort aimed at highlighting what organizers allege is the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid and resources from Gaza.
Did you see that video of Rashida Tlaib smacking a cafeteria steam tray with a spoon and think “wow I wish some dude goofed off and made a bunch of stale Vine memes with it”?
Well, boy howdy are you in luck! pic.twitter.com/kYPELr1Q3B
— Tony Kinnett (@TheTonus) July 26, 2025
Organizers claim the demonstration represents resistance to policies they say are worsening conditions for civilians, particularly children.
Critics of the protest noted that Tlaib’s approach failed to acknowledge the role of Hamas in the conflict, including the group’s continued rocket fire, use of human shields, and its responsibility in disrupting aid delivery.
While the protest generated attention, there were widespread questions about its effectiveness or messaging.
The demonstrative act spurred a wave of memes and online mockery, with some users questioning whether it accomplished anything beyond generating noise — both literal and figurative.
— Politi_Rican (@TheRicanMemes) July 25, 2025
Some posts suggested that Tlaib’s protest resembled a performance more than a policy stance, and others criticized her for focusing on Gaza rather than her constituents in Michigan’s 12th Congressional District.
Tlaib has previously come under fire for her positions on Israel and her support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
“I could have used a little more cowbell” pic.twitter.com/3MrNyLTBdz
— Ryan B (@Network_Guy8) July 25, 2025
In 2023, she was censured by the House of Representatives following remarks critics called inflammatory regarding the conflict.
The protest also reignited broader debate within the Democratic Party regarding its internal divisions on foreign policy and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
While the White House and several party leaders have continued to express support for Israel’s right to defend itself, progressive lawmakers including Tlaib and members of the so-called “Squad” have voiced ongoing opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel.
Republican lawmakers pointed to the incident as a further sign of internal discord within the Democratic Party and accused Tlaib of misplacing priorities.
The demonstration took place days after a poll showed declining approval ratings for congressional Democrats.
Critics argue the party’s focus on foreign conflicts, immigration issues, and internal culture battles has contributed to low favorability.
Alexa: Why do people not take Rashida Tlaib seriously? pic.twitter.com/diY22RzCnW
— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) July 25, 2025
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