Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) made a conspiratorial accusation Monday against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on social media Monday that left online critics stunned.

“Reptilian,” Higgins wrote on X Monday night along with a photo of Jeffries, referencing the conspiracy theory popularized by British Holocaust denier David Icke, who’s argued that a race of "inter-dimensionary" reptilian humanoids occupy many powerful positions in governments across the world.

The stunning claim was widely condemned online by critics, with some, like X user “Chippy Dizzle,” arguing that Higgins should be removed from office over the remark.

“You SHOULD lose your job for this... but as we've learned, there are no consequences for Republicans anymore,” the user wrote, who frequently posts content critical of the Trump administration and has amassed more than 4,200 followers.

Higgins has been a strong ally to President Donald Trump, supporting efforts to overturn the 2020 election in his favor and embracing much of Trump’s rhetoric. Trump endorsed Higgins for his re-election bid in 2024, calling him an “America First warrior” in a recorded phone call that Higgins promoted in his campaign.

Accusing his House colleague of being a “reptilian,” however, shocked even those seemingly on the right, including X user “Jessica,” who’s followed by Trump ally Rep. Mike Lee, shares right-wing content and has amassed nearly 7,000 followers.

“Weird times we are in,” she wrote on X.

Others called the accusation a bridge too far for sitting congressman.

“This is unbecoming of a congressman,”

wrote

Brian Eskow, a podcast host with more than 44,000 followers.