Outrage as far-right agitator in brownface allowed to testify before lawmakers on immigration
A far-right provocateur sparked outrage by testifying before IdahoThe House Business Committee is wearing an offensive brownface costume this week.
David Pettinger, 49, showed up to discuss a bill dealing with unlicensed workers in the state and the possibility of starting an E-Verify program, wearing brown makeup, sunglasses, a wig, a beard and handcuffs dangling from his wrist.
Surprisingly, the panel’s acting chairman, Republican Rep. Josh Wheeler, allowed Pettinger to present his testimony without objection, and he duly did so, speaking in Spanish.
“El Jefe, friends,” he said. in question. “No English language.”
When Democratic Rep. Steve Berch questioned Pettinger’s costume and reminded the committee that this was not a forum for “performance theater,” Wheeler just grinned and instructed the speaker to give “clear testimony.” accordingly Idaho Statesman.
David Pettinger addresses the Idaho House Business Committee in an offensive costume on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 (Idaho Public Television)
When Pettinger continued speaking in Spanish, another GOP representative, Brent Crane, called for a recess, during which the guest was persuaded to switch back to English, which he did, using his platform to attack refugees and immigrants coming to the United States.
In closing, Pettinger said: “I was looking forward to entertaining you a bit, and I think you’ll get a lot more enjoyment out of this statement, but considering I don’t want to be handcuffed in the back by your friends at the Idaho State Patrol again, we’ll leave it at that.”
Democratic Rep. Nikson Mathews, chairman of the House Queer Caucus, then tried to use his time to scold Pettinger for the demonstration, but was interrupted by Wheeler and ordered to take his seat.
“I must say that what happened today is unacceptable,” Mathews said. “That man should have been removed from this room.”
Because the committee’s regular chairman, Republican Rep. Jordan Redman, had introduced the bill under discussion, the acting chairman had the authority to simply ban Pettinger from speaking. House rules regarding politeness, but he chose not to do so and Statesman drew attention.
Deputy chairman of a House committee attacked for failing to follow etiquette to prevent Pettinger from taking the stage (iStock/Getty)
Pettinger is well-known in Idaho political circles and has a history of “racist, misogynistic and morally repugnant performances,” according to the site, including dressing as a prom queen who wore a sash named after a legislator previously accused of rape.
He also appeared as the Joker, the “Little Gay King” and Outside the Tesla dealership as Adolf Hitler attack Elon Musk.
Pettinger before joining the committee He shared a selfie on Facebook He wore the same brownface costume with a rainbow-colored fedora hat on top.
“Regardless of your politics, this is racist and completely unacceptable behavior by our elected officials.” ACLU He wrote a statement in response to Idaho’s latest outrage.
“Our elected officials must govern public forums with kindness and respect, not hatred.”
PODER of Idaho, a social justice organization that advocates for Latino and immigrant communities in the state, also responded. in question On Facebook: “Our legislature is supposed to be a place to debate serious policies, not racist theatrics. hate speechsimple.
“This was an intentional distraction from the E-Verify bill that many of us came to testify in good faith. Our legislature is supposed to be a place for serious policy discussions, not racist theatrics.”
“This was hate speech, plain and simple. This was an intentional distraction from the E-Verify bill that many of us came to testify in good faith.”
