Republicans dismiss white supremacy charge but show unease about rhetoric

House Republicans are dismissing accusations that their leadership is harboring white nationalism amid criticism that heated political rhetoric on the right is partly to blame for the racist shooting at a Buffalo supermarket on Saturday.

Twinges of discontent with aggressive and extremist rhetoric have been an undercurrent in the House GOP conference since the Trump years, but even members critical of some statements by their most outspoken colleagues disagree strongly with the idea their leadership is fueling white supremacy.