No. Amanda Makki was not painted as an Iranian sympathizer in either the 2020 or 2022 Republican primaries against Anna Paulina Luna.
Makki (daughter of Iranian refugees who fled the 1979 Islamic Revolution) repeatedly highlighted her family's anti-regime background and used it as a campaign asset to strengthen her national-security credentials.
| Accuser | Accusation against opponent | Specific claims | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amanda Makki (against Luna) | Being a "phony" conservative, past Democrat / Obama supporter, flip-flopper | - Luna admitted voting for Obama twice and being a registered Democrat - Changed name and address to run in Florida - Quoted saying she can "take on different personalities" - Did not vote in 2018 FL governor's race - Called Luna "Crist in a skirt" | Mostly accurate Luna openly discussed her past; voting-record claim verified |
| Anna Paulina Luna (against Makki) | Establishment "RINO", anti-Trump / moderate, lobbyist ties | - Backed by McCarthy, Scalise ("swamp") - Past lobbyist / health-policy work seen as non-MAGA - Misleading endorsement mailers | Partially accurate but exaggerated Makki supported Trump; shifted hard-right in 2022 |
| Mutual / Related | Conspiracy in death threats (2021–2022 cycle) | - Luna accused Makki (and others) of involvement after William Braddock allegedly threatened a "Russian-Ukrainian hit squad" - Luna obtained temporary stalking injunction indirectly naming Makki | False / unsubstantiated against Makki Courts denied permanent injunction; Braddock indicted alone in 2024; no evidence tied Makki |
The races were primarily a Trump/MAGA vs. establishment GOP split. Makki's Iranian heritage was never used against her as a smear.
Perhaps I shouldn't believe my lying eyes ears. I was standing in he same room with Makki In Pinellas Park when George Buck "supporters" were thrown out for having a sign accusing Makki of being a terrorist. The owners of the venue called the cops on them and it made the news along with the sign and the accusation. This narrative later got some legs in online circles. Surprisingly two of those Buck "supporters" were working for Luna the entire time (not on the news). Buck publicly condemned the "supporters". It was a bitter campaign from start to finish. Makki would likely be our Congress Critter if it weren't for George Buck (who is a nice guy). At least we got rid of the OG Orange Man Crist.
Also a correction: Makki worked for Trump in Wisconsin, not Michigan.
Full disclosure I voluntarily helped Makki with her online presence throughout the campaign.