A mother from North Carolina is speaking out after her young son received what she describes as a deeply inappropriate response from longtime congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Emily Mango said her 10-year-old son, a fourth-grade student, had written a school essay promoting the benefits of electric vehicles. As part of the assignment, he sent his ideas—such as offering tax incentives for buyers—to Foxx, hoping for a thoughtful reply.
Instead, the response he received, dated May 1, left his mother shocked. According to Mango, the tone of the letter was dismissive and harsh, especially considering it was addressed to a child. She described it as “horrific” and unnecessarily confrontational.
In her reply, Foxx rejected the student’s suggestions, arguing that government subsidies for electric cars would place an unfair burden on taxpayers who may not be able to afford such vehicles themselves. She also criticized the educational system, suggesting that the boy’s teachers were influencing students with biased viewpoints.
One part of the letter that drew particular backlash was Foxx’s suggestion that the child should learn the meaning of “propaganda,” adding that she questioned the quality of education he was receiving. She further emphasized national debt as a more pressing concern than climate-related policies, stating that younger generations would ultimately bear the financial burden.
Mango later shared the letter publicly, expressing concern over what she saw as an attack not only on her son but also on educators. She argued that the response was discouraging for a child who was simply engaging in a school assignment and learning how to express ideas.
Expanding on her criticism, Mango pointed to broader issues within Foxx’s district, including underfunded schools and infrastructure concerns. She questioned whether the congresswoman’s priorities were aligned with the needs of students and teachers, emphasizing that educators deserve respect rather than criticism.
Virginia Foxx, who has been in office since 2004 and is seeking reelection in 2026, has long been known for her conservative stance. Before entering politics, she built a career in education, working as a professor, dean, and college president—making the tone of her response, according to Mango, even more surprising.