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‘What a clown’: Was Putin just spotted on Capitol Hill ahead of Biden impeachment hearing?

Ahead of the hearing on allegations about Biden's family business dealings overseas, Rep. Jared Moskowitz surprised everyone by donning a mask of Putin.

Updated on: Mar 20, 2024, 22:36:28 IST
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Ahead of the hearing on allegations about President Joe Biden's family business dealings overseas, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) on Wednesday surprised everyone by donning a mask of Vladimir Putin, prompting others to think for a second if the Russian President made his way to the Capitol Hill.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) donned a mask of Russian President Vladimir Putin. (C-SPAN)
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) donned a mask of Russian President Vladimir Putin. (C-SPAN)

“I just came to thank [Oversight Committee Chairman] James Comer for taking all of our intelligence and using it in the committee,” Moskowitz told the reporter while referring to himself as ‘Putin’.

"Maybe he can come see the technology in the grocery stores," the Democrat continued, alluding to Tucker Carlson's recent visit to Russia to interview the Russian dictator, during which the former Fox New anchor bragged about the prices at Russian supermarkets.

A reporter asked Moskowitz, "Congressman, don't you think this behavior is a little immature?" The Democrat evaded the question and moved ahead.

He, however, removed his mask during the hearing, where ex-Hunter Biden business partners Tony Bobulinski and Jason Galanis were in attendance.

The hearing comes as Democrats have renewed claims that explosive allegations against Biden were "false" as they came from an ex-FBI informant who admitted that he was in touch with Russian intelligence.

Alexander Smirnov was indicted last month on accusations of providing false statements to the bureau. He alleged that Mykola Zlochevsky, the owner of Ukraine's Burisma Holdings, had revealed he offered $5 million each to Biden and his son Hunter to remove Ukraine's prosecutor general, who was probing Burisma.

Also Read: Who is Alexander Smirnov? Ex-FBI informant accused of lying about Bidens had ties with Russian intel

Why did Moskowitz opt to wear Putin mask?

Speaking to the New York Post, Moskowitz defended Biden, claiming that House Oversight Republicans initiated the probe into Biden using [Smirnov's] 1023 form, which has been proven to come directly from Russian intelligence.

“James Comer did Vladimir Putin's bidding. The mask was worn to create that visual,” he said.

Moskowitz faces flak for his ‘embarrassing’ act

As soon as Moskowitz's video went viral on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), several netizens slammed the Democrat for “embarrassing” the government. Even some said that he must be censured if not expelled for his act.

Reacting to Moskowitz's brief stunt, one X user wrote: “Your country is ran by drama-club losers who aren’t talented enough to make it in Hollywood. What a clown.”

“This is freshman Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-Fl) in a Putin mask, repeating the Russia hoax, while making a mockery of Congress,” another added.

“Democrats never have any ideas, only theater and performance,” a third user wrote.

“Rep. Jared Moskowitz should be censured if not expelled for this. What a complete embarrassment. Peaceful J6 protestors get jailed for decades but a representative is allowed to disgrace our government like this? Unreal,” one more chimed in.

Also Read: Hunter confirms, dad Joe Biden was indeed the ‘big guy’ being referred to in the $5m China deal

The GOP-led three-panel impeachment inquiry will have its second public hearing on Wednesday, following the first in last September.

Hunter Biden declined an invitation to attend the hearing after delivering a closed-door deposition on February 28.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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