New Jersey Congressman Pictured with Controversial GOP Activist
Last summer, a photograph was taken featuring New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. alongside Ibrar Zulfiqar Bhutta, also known as Ibrar Nadeem, a Republican Party activist facing allegations of homophobia and antisemitism. This image has attracted significant attention in political circles.
On August 22, 2025, Nadeem shared two photographs on Facebook. One showcased him with Rep. Kean, and the other with Jack Ciattarelli, who was then a Republican gubernatorial candidate in New Jersey.
Accompanying the photos, Nadeem wrote, “Two powerful days, two powerful meetings. Back-to-back, I had the honor of meeting with Congressman Tom Kean Jr., son of New Jersey’s former governor, and with Jack Ciattarelli, our future Governor of New Jersey.”
At the time, Nadeem held the position of executive director of Muslim relations within Ciattarelli’s campaign. He represented Ciattarelli at an event in Piscataway on October 18, where he voiced support for banning same-sex marriage and expressed pride in not accepting campaign donations from Jewish individuals.
During the event, Nadeem stated, “Somebody said you are taking money from Jews. I check my bank account every day, brother. It is not there.”
His statements sparked criticism from several New Jersey officials, who urged Ciattarelli to terminate Nadeem’s role in the campaign. Livingston Deputy Mayor Shawn Klein commented to NJ.com, “I don’t know the heart of this man who is speaking, but with his comments, he’s either speaking against Jews himself or to others in the room who are clearly antisemitic.”
Despite the backlash, Rep. Kean did not issue a public condemnation and continued to support Ciattarelli’s campaign for governor.
Kean’s lack of response has raised concerns about his commitment to combating antisemitism, an issue he frequently addresses both in Congress and during his campaign efforts. In September, he emphasized on social media, “At a time when antisemitic hate has reached alarming levels, I am pleased to stand with the Jewish community in the U.S. and around the world in calling out this evil.”
On January 14, Nadeem shared the photo with Kean again, this time adding “Uncle Ashraf,” a local pharmacist and business owner, as another individual in the image. Nadeem praised Ashraf, stating, “Uncle Ashraf has built a legacy through service and sincerity. It was a true honor to stand beside him and Congressman Kean Jr. in my office.”
Rep. Kean’s political history includes voting against marriage equality in New Jersey during his tenure as a state senator in 2010 and 2012. However, he has since expressed a change of heart, stating he now supports same-sex unions.
Currently, Kean is campaigning for a third term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
For further details, visit the original article: Kean posed with GOP activist accused of antisemitism and homophobia on American Journal News.
