Derek Tran Must Apologize for ‘Misleading’ and ‘Offensive’ Comments

Over four dozen Asian American community leaders in California’s 45^th District penned a letter calling on Derek Tran to apologize for “spewing misleading information” and “offensive” comments against Congresswoman Michelle Steel and lying about her family fleeing Communist North Korea.

They write: “Spewing misleading information about Michelle’s family is no way to run for office… Most disturbing, we are beyond disappointed that you insinuate that coming to America for ‘economic gain’ is somehow bad or wrong. This is especially offensive to the thousands of immigrants that live in CA-45 and across the country who share the same story as Michelle.”

Following the letter, Tran’s campaign refused to apologize and instead doubled down on his xenophobic attacks against Rep. Steel.

“Derek Tran belittled Congresswoman Steel and her family’s honorable pursuit of the American Dream, and now he’s doubling down on his outrageously offensive remarks,” said CLF Regional Press Secretary Maureen O’Toole. “Tran isn’t fit for office, and California voters will reject him this fall.”