Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) is once again facing criticism—this time for taking aim at First Lady Melania Trump during a congressional hearing.
Crockett questioned the legitimacy of Mrs. Trump’s immigration path to U.S. citizenship, specifically targeting her use of the EB-1 visa, often dubbed the “Einstein visa,” a move that many have deemed misinformed and unnecessarily personal.
During the hearing, Crockett stated, “Melania, the First Lady, a model — and when I say model, I’m not talking Tyra Banks or Naomi Campbell — applied for and was given an EB-1 visa… Last time I checked, the First Lady had none of those accolades under her belt. It doesn’t take an Einstein to see that the math ain’t mathin’.”
Crockett’s remarks quickly sparked backlash from commentators and citizens alike, many pointing out the irony of her invoking fairness and immigration law without a grasp of the visa requirements. Contrary to her assertions, the EB-1 visa does not require Nobel Prizes or Olympic medals.
It requires that applicants meet at least three out of ten criteria related to recognition, income, and contribution to their field. Melania Trump, who had been working legally in the U.S. as a model since 1996, was on the cover of British GQ, appeared in Sports Illustrated, and received widespread media attention — all of which can count toward those qualifications.
Even The New York Times, hardly known for sympathizing with the Trump family, acknowledged in a 2018 article that immigration experts found Melania’s case likely legitimate. Immigration attorney Marshall Cohen noted she would have been a straightforward approval at the time due to her press coverage and professional success.
What stood out to many wasn’t just the factual inaccuracy of Crockett’s comments, but the nature of the attack. Critics argue that Melania Trump has largely avoided political involvement and maintained a private public life — something typically respected for first ladies.
“There was no reason to drag Melania into this,” one commenter wrote. “She didn’t campaign, she didn’t legislate. She married someone Crockett doesn’t like. That’s not a political crime.”
🚨JASMINE CROCKETT: “The math isn’t mathing” with Melania Trump’s immigration record. pic.twitter.com/lNta3Rfx6O
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 25, 2025
