Baker Apologizes For Calling Pressley's MLK Speech A 'Rant'

BOSTON, MA — Gov. Charlie Baker is taking heat for what some saw as an inappropriate quip at the Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast Monday. Baker, who spoke after Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, joked about having to follow "that rant."

Pressley discussed institutional racism and emphasized that the fight for civil rights is not over. She referred to herself as an abolitionist because "my people still are not free."

"I am so tired of people saying that what is ruining this country is identity politics," Pressley said. "No it isn't. It is hate and white supremacy codified through legislation."

Baker followed his "rant" comment by saying he agreed with the congresswoman's speech. In his remarks, he stated that Pressley's point about identity being part of the conversation around policy was "so spot on."

But the governor's word choice raised eyebrows online, including from two prominent Massachusetts lawmakers. Attorney General Maura Healey called the language "dismissive," while Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins criticized a lack of representation in state government with a "rant" of her own.

A spokesperson for Gov. Baker told media outlets he apologized to Pressley in private after the event.