Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in June 2021.
In a fiery interview on Fox News, former Trump aide Stephen Miller launched a scathing critique of Jane Fonda, labeling her Vietnam War protests as treasonous acts that should not be forgotten. The 83-year-old activist, known for her recent opposition to the Keystone pipeline, found herself under intense scrutiny for her controversial actions during the Vietnam era.
Appearing on Fox News, Miller wasted no time in condemning Fonda’s historical activism, asserting that her journey to Vietnam in the 1970s amounted to treason against the United States. He argued that her collaboration with North Vietnamese Communist propaganda, including radio broadcasts and sitting on an anti-aircraft battery, was an egregious betrayal. Miller posed a pointed question to viewers: should Fonda, who he claimed committed treason, still be revered as a hero?
Fonda’s 1972 trip to North Vietnam became the focal point of Miller’s Fox News segment. He emphasized her vocal condemnation of the American military on Vietnamese radio, her provocative photo next to an anti-aircraft gun, and her symbolic gesture of wearing a Vietnamese soldier’s helmet. These actions, Miller insisted, earned her the infamous moniker ‘Hanoi Jane,’ a nickname that continues to evoke strong reactions among US veterans.
The Fox News interview aimed to rekindle public awareness of Fonda’s actions during the Vietnam War, framing them as an enduring stain on her legacy. Miller’s portrayal of Fonda as a traitor served as a backdrop to discuss her recent protests against pipeline projects, particularly her opposition to those initiated during the Trump administration.
While Fonda expressed regret for the controversial photograph taken during her time in Hanoi, Miller remained steadfast in his criticism. He questioned the authenticity of her remorse, asserting that her regret over the photo did not absolve her of the broader accusations of treason.
The segment on Fox News reignited debates about Fonda’s credibility and the implications of her past actions on her present-day activism. Miller’s perspective, echoing sentiments from some US veterans, questioned whether Fonda’s historical actions should define her role as a contemporary political activist.
Fonda, a lifelong activist, has consistently engaged in protests against political causes she opposes. Recently, she directed criticism at President Joe Biden for not taking stronger measures to halt pipeline projects, with a particular focus on the Keystone pipeline, which was blocked this week by Biden’s permit revocation.
The Fox News interview underscored the enduring controversy surrounding Fonda, framing her past actions as central to evaluating her current political influence. As debates continue about the nature of activism and its consequences, Fonda’s legacy remains a contentious topic, particularly within the context of her opposition to prominent pipeline projects.
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