Authoritarian claims ignited controversy Sunday after Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin compared the United States to Iran while the Islamic Republic carried out one of the deadliest crackdowns on protesters in its history. Authoritarian claims surfaced as Iran reportedly slaughtered hundreds of civilians while suppressing nationwide unrest and cutting off internet access.
“From Tehran to my birthplace of Minneapolis, people are rising up against systems that wield violence without accountability,” Martin wrote on X. He contrasted Iran’s theocratic regime with protests in Minneapolis following increased ICE activity and the fatal shooting of Renee Good. “In Iran, brave protestors confront a far-right theocratic regime that crushes dissent and denies basic freedoms,” Martin said, adding that Americans are demanding “an end to an unchecked federal force that takes lives and tears families apart.”
Martin’s remarks coincided with reports that Iran killed more than 500 protesters over the weekend. Human rights experts said hospitals were overwhelmed and accused authorities of dumping bodies near victims’ homes to intimidate families. “They are brutally killing people, the numbers are extremely high,” said Khosro Isfahani of the National Union for Democracy in Iran. “But the thing that’s coming as a surprise to many is that Iranians are not relenting.”
The comparison drew swift backlash, but Martin defended it by again attacking President Donald Trump. “I’ve been very vocal, after Charlie Kirk died, that there’s no place for political violence,” Martin said. “But calling out a fascist regime for what it is? There’s no doubt in my mind… it is a fascist regime.”
When critics called the comparison outrageous, Martin doubled down. “If comparing the U.S. to Iran makes you angry, ask why,” he said, listing actions he labeled “authoritarian behavior—anywhere.” He concluded, “Trump keeps pushing it, Americans aren’t buying it, and Minneapolis won’t be silent.”
