Let Your ‘No’ Be ‘No’
During the House hearing in which Gov. Reynolds appeared, an aide for Rep. Krishnamoorthi held up a poster with tweets from Musk and Flynn. Krishnamoorthi noted that Flynn claimed Lutheran charities were engaging in “a money laundering operation.” Krishnamoorthi then gave Reynolds an opportunity to defend Lutherans. Here’s the exchange (although it should be noted she kept talking as he interjected to repeat his question):
Krishnamoorthi: Governor, you don’t believe that the Lutheran church or Lutheran Family Service is a money laundering operation, correct?
Reynolds: Look, I can tell you that in Iowa, the taxpayers of Iowa hold me personally responsible and accountable for state government, just as they hold President Trump accountable for…
Krishnamoorthi: The Lutheran Church is not a money laundering operation, right?
Reynolds: …the United States. And the election that we just went through, I think…
Krishnamoorthi: Ma’am, Des Moines, Iowa, is the home to the largest Lutheran congregation in the United States…
Reynolds: …Iowans overwhelmingly, uh…
Krishnamoorthi: Is the Lutheran church a money laundering operation?
Reynolds: Listen…
Krishnamoorthi: Of course, not!
Reynolds: First of all, every program should be looked and that’s what we're trying to do. You have to look, I looked at 800…
Krishnamoorthi: Okay, the Lutheran church has some connection to money laundering, is that what you're suggesting?
Reynolds: I’m not saying that, but I said every…
Krishnamoorthi: It’s a yes or no question...
Reynolds: It’s not a yes or no question.
Krishnamoorthi: …is it a money laundering operation?
Reynolds: I can’t speak to that.
Krishnamoorthi: You can’t speak to that? Oh, my God.