US Senator Elizabeth Warren received a standing ovation when she finished a speech at the National Congress of American Indians Wednesday.
The reaction from others nationwide was much more mixed.
After the Massachusetts Democrat addressed her claims of Native American heritage more directly — and far more expansively — than she ever has before, many took to Twitter to make their opinions on her speech known.
Some praised the senator for not shying away from the issue.
Good for @elizabethforma. I was hoping she'd step forward and address this issue in a firm manner. Well done. https://t.co/6QjdqU2Nu7
— Pat120 (@Pat120) February 14, 2018
I’m proud of @elizabethforma for standing up to @realDonaldTrump’s racist BS today and everyday. https://t.co/ezlRB1nemg
— Jason Kander (@JasonKander) February 14, 2018
Others appeared unimpressed, or remained unconvinced of her Native American heritage.
Do you think Elizabeth Warren’s not-really-supported-by-any-evidence claims of Native heritage bother Native Americans more, or whites who think she conned the system to enjoy benefits of Affirmative Action?
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) February 14, 2018
Yesterday, I noted that Elizabeth Warren was skipping an American Indian summit in DC.
— Amber Athey (@amber_athey) February 14, 2018
She made a surprise appearance at the summit today to slander people questioning her background and still provided no proof that she is actually Native American.https://t.co/nc0KXhb7WB
Trump calling Elizabeth Warren “Pocahontas”
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 14, 2018
Dems: *MORAL OUTRAGE*
Elizabeth Warren using Native Americans to further her career by lying and claiming she is Native American
Dems: “Uhhh... Meh. She’s an inspiration”
Many others pointed out the speech is an indication that Warren could have presidential ambitions in 2020.
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Elizabeth Warren sending some serious smoke signals today.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) February 14, 2018
Elizabeth Warren's "Pocahontas" speech today is a big deal.
— Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) February 14, 2018
This section — which ends in a swing at Trump — turns a former Harvard Law professor into an Oklahoma girl who grew up poor.
We'll hear a version of this constantly if she runs in 2020. https://t.co/pTwJ7pnc8O pic.twitter.com/EJl15hl84F
In her speech, Warren forcefully responded to President Trump’s derisively calling her “Pocahontas.” She also did not apologize for her claims that her mother’s family had Cherokee blood — instead, reaffirming: “My mother’s family was part Native American.”
Matt Viser and Liz Goodwin of the Globe staff contributed to this report.