A GOP Congressman Is Accusing Meghan Markle and Prince Harry of Election Interference
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Spoke Out on the Importance of Voting
They made a joint appearance to discuss the upcoming U.S. election.
Congressman Jason Smith proudly represents Missouri's 8th Congressional District, but as of today, he'll probably be more well-known as the guy who accused Meghan Markle and Prince Harry of interfering with the 2020 Election. Why, exactly? He's pointing fingers to their voting PSA, which urged voters to "reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity" when they head to the polls or fill out their absentee ballots. Knowingly or not, Smith just aligned the Republican Party with hate speech, misinformation, and online negativity, since Meghan — an American citizen — and Harry didn't mention any candidates by name.
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Smith addressed his complaint to Dame Karen Pierce, the current British Ambassador to the United States at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He shared his letter on Twitter, where he calls out the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for using their foreign titles and influence to campaign against President Donald Trump.
"Prince Harry and Megan Markle are using foreign titles to campaign against President Trump and interfere with our election," he wrote. "Today, I asked the British Government to put a stop to it."
In the attached letter, he points out that the royal family is supposed to remain politically neutral and not actually vote in elections (Harry mentioned this in the video). The palace noted that Harry and Meghan's message was personal and didn't reflect the views of the crown, but Smith insists that since they continue to use the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex and continue to have privileges afforded by their connection to Buckingham Palace, there's no way to separate personal and professional.
Smith also notes that Meghan's political leanings are "thinly disguised and widely reported" and that the entire situation amounts to "domestic interference" from a close ally of the United States.
Prince Harry and Megan Markle are using foreign titles to campaign against President Trump and interfere with our election. Today, I asked the British Government to put a stop to it.
See my full letter below⬇️ pic.twitter.com/64BdQjYBnG— Rep. Jason Smith (@RepJasonSmith) October 9, 2020
Smith suggested that the Palace strip Harry and Meghan of their titles and for them to stop interfering in the election.
"I respectfully request the British Government ensure The Duke and Duchess of Sussex no longer attempt to interfere in our election or be stripped of all titles, styles, and privileges which they currently retain," Smith's letter reads.
Twitter users were quick to point out that the Sussexes were only encouraging voters to take action and didn't endorse a candidate. Some even went as far as accusing Smith of voter suppression, since he was criticizing an effort to mobilize voters.
RELATED: Donald Trump Wasn't Happy With Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Voting PSA
They never once said who to vote for... only encouraged people *to* vote. If you’re trying to suppress votes, you’re the one who needs corrective action.
— Independent & Transcendent✨ (@RoyalEscape2020) October 9, 2020
Even your quotes are only of them encouraging people to vote and stand against hate without actually endorsing a party. Though I can see why your side sees "standing against hate" as an endorsement against them...
— Christopher Wolert (@CWolert) October 9, 2020
😂😂 She's an American CITIZEN she can campaign, talk as much as she wishes.
— Juno (@Juniper_mel) October 9, 2020
I feel sorry for the people of Missouri's 8th congressional district. 🤦♀️
— (((txtbkEnigma))) 🏴☠️ (@txtbkEnigma) October 9, 2020
