Dem lawmaker calls Miller a ‘scumbag’ for ripping janitors in old high school speech

Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle (D) called White House senior adviser Stephen Miller “a scumbag” on Tuesday after the reemergence of footage from a controversial speech a teenage Miller gave in which he belittled janitors at his high school.    

“I’m proud to be the son of a janitor. For decades my father worked hard to keep our subways in Philadelphia clean,” Boyle said.

“He took pride in his work. I only wish I had half his work ethic. So for this scumbag Stephen Miller to say this just disgusts me. I oppose all he stands for.”  

I’m proud to be the son of a janitor. For decades my father worked hard to keep our subways in Philadelphia clean. He took pride in his work. I only wish I had half his work ethic. So for this scumbag Stephen Miller to say this just disgusts me. I oppose all he stands for. https://t.co/mgWQJoi7FJ

— US Rep Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) April 10, 2019

In a viral clip from the speech that has resurfaced on multiple occasions in the past year, Miller, then a student at Santa Monica High School, could be seen saying that he “will say and I will do things that no one else in their right mind would do.” 

{mosads}He then goes on to ask a crowd of his fellow classmates: “Am I the only one who is sick and tired of being told to pick up my trash when we have plenty of janitors who are paid to do it for us?!”

Miller had delivered the speech as part of his campaign for a student government position at the time, according to The Washington Post. 

Miller has made headlines in recent days because of the forced resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Many saw Miller’s fingerprints on Nielsen’s exit, as well as with other changes that may be coming at the department.

GOP senators this week have also raised concerns about Miller’s influence at the White House.

Sen. John Cornyn (Texas), a member of GOP leadership, said Miller appears to be the “guy behind the curtain.”

“I think what we need is a consistent message because I think there are some voices in the White House who are working counter to that message and particularly creating more problems for the administration by losing senior leadership,” Cornyn said when asked if he had concerns about Miller’s growing influence.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill.