Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia is facing significant online criticism after questioning the concept of God-given rights as mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. He remarked, “The idea is that rights don’t originate from laws or governments, but from a creator. This is what the Iranian regime believes, which is a theocratic government that discriminates against various religious groups.” He expressed concern during a hearing with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee over how the interpretation of natural rights can vary widely among different religions.
Kaine’s comments came in response to the opening statements made by Riley Burns, who has been nominated as Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Burns highlighted that the foundation of the U.S. is built on the belief that “our rights come not from our creators or government, but are universally given to all people.”
Following Kaine’s remarks, civil liberties attorney Laura Powell criticized him by sharing a clip of his statement, expressing disbelief that a senator from Virginia would reject fundamental principles of the Declaration. Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz from Texas reacted strongly, describing Kaine’s perspective as “radical and dangerous,” and underscoring that this idea is essentially the founding principle of the U.S.
He quoted Thomas Jefferson, reminding everyone, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Cruz also shared a video that juxtaposed Kaine’s comments with his own assertion that Democrats are fundamentally misrepresenting American foundational principles.
Representative Riley Moore found it particularly ironic that a Democratic senator from the same state as Thomas Jefferson would articulate such a troubling view of foundational concepts. Amy Swearer, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, also commented, suggesting that Kaine seems unaware of the Declaration’s core message, which we fought for: that all individuals are endowed with certain rights by their creator.
Beanie Geogegan, co-founder of Freedom in Education, also weighed in by referencing a quote from Alexander Hamilton. As of now, Kaine has not responded to requests for further comment.
