Rep. Steve King Steven (Steve) Arnold KingGOP leader: 'There is no place for QAnon in the Republican Party' Loomer win creates bigger problem for House GOP Win by QAnon believer creates new headaches for House GOP MORE (R-Iowa) addressed his comments regarding white nationalism Saturday in his first town hall in Iowa since his controversial interview with The New York Times was published earlier this month.

“It is stunning and astonishing to me that four words in a New York Times quote can outweigh 20-some years of public service, 20-some years of giving you my word every day, and not one soul has stood up and said that I’ve ever lied to you or misrepresented anything or given it to you in any spin that’s anything other than what I believe to be the objective truth,” he said, noting that “I am not a racist.”

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“I’ve made more than one mistake, we all have,” King added. “I should have never done an interview with The New York Times.”

King ignited a bipartisan firestorm after he asked the Times, “White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?”

House Republicans responded by removing King from his positions on the House Judiciary, Agriculture and Small Business committees. The House also overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning white nationalism and white supremacy by a 424-1 vote, with the lone dissenter saying it was not specific enough in its condemnation of King.

The Iowa Republican has said he’s “at peace” with the comments.

“I will continue to point out the truth and work with all the vigor that I have to represent 4th District Iowans for at least the next two years,” King said earlier this month.

Despite the controversy, many town hall attendees expressed their support for King, according to the Des Moines Register.

“You're proud and talented and we're proud of you, and thanks for coming to see us,” Pamela Harmon said.

“[You're] being accused of being a racist, and all that other stuff,” Kelly O'Brien, the O'Brien County GOP chair said, “I know you’re not, Steve. I’ve known you forever.”

Despite maintaining a level of support among his constituents, King could face challenges in 2020 from at least three Republicans who have announced they will primary the polarizing congressman.