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Michigan State Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) responded forcefully after House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) insulted her publicly. During a press briefing, Hall called her “a very low IQ representative” and “probably one of the dumbest ones in the Legislature.”
The remarks came after Xiong criticized Hall for canceling a legislative session to attend a rally with Donald Trump marking his first 100 days back in office.
According to Michigan Advance, Hall claimed he was “delivering a new mission with President Trump for Selfridge Air Force Base.” He further asserted Xiong was “doing nothing” for her district.
Xiong, the first Hmong American elected to the Michigan House and the only Asian American woman currently serving there, called Hall’s remarks “disrespectful” and “meant to demean.” She highlighted her bill supporting public worker health coverage, which Hall has allegedly blocked from reaching the governor.
“Let me be clear: what’s truly dumb is hijacking nine bipartisan bills,” she stated, referencing legislation delayed under Hall’s leadership.
Hall is currently facing legal challenges for refusing to transmit those bills, a move critics argue violates the Michigan Constitution. A Court of Claims judge confirmed the obligation but declined to enforce it.
Xiong stressed her resolve: “I want my children and others to know that standing up to bullies is always the right thing to do.” Last year, she also faced social media attacks falsely linking her to the Chinese Communist Party.
In a video response posted on YouTube, Xiong said “We may disagree on policy and the substance of our bills, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to obstruct our constitution. And that doesn’t mean you have the right to call me names and to belittle me…you know what’s dumb, having no respect”
Xiong reminded the public of her identity, stating: “I am a mother of four young children… I am a refugee and immigrant who came here seeking freedom… I am the first Hmong American elected — and currently only Asian American woman in the Michigan House of Representatives,” as described by Michigan Advance.
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