Popular socialist streamer Hasan Piker has ignited fresh controversy by calling the Republican Party “the biggest terrorist organization” on Earth during a recent conversation with Pod Save America co-host and former Barack Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau, according to Mediaite.
Piker made the remark as he discussed his growing frustration with Democrats, claiming the party has been “taking my vote for granted.” Favreau acknowledged some of Piker’s criticism but argued that Democrats still look good compared to the GOP. “After what we’ve lived through these last [few] years, the stakes and the stark difference between even a Democrat who you and I may find not up-to-par, to say the least, versus Vance or whoever [they] put up?” Favreau said.
Piker responded bluntly: “I hate Republicans. I oppose them, I say that all the time. I think that the Republicans are far more damaging — the biggest domestic terrorist in this country, the biggest terrorist internationally is the Republican Party.”
“I want to fight against the growing fascist movement in this country,” he added.
His remarks come as Democrats continue to debate whether Piker’s outspoken style helps or harms their image. According to Mediaite, several party figures have distanced themselves, while others maintain ties. CNN’s Jake Tapper recently condemned Piker’s history of “outrageous, if not bigoted” comments, citing past statements such as claiming America “deserved” the 9/11 attacks and joking that it would be “hilarious” if “inbred” Orthodox Jews died while fighting in Lebanon.
Criticism has also centered on Piker’s description of Hamas as “the lesser of two evils” compared with Israel. Tapper highlighted a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that branded Piker “anti-American, anti-women, anti-Western, and anti-Semitic,” concluding that “no Democrat should engage with him.”
Despite that warning, Piker still enjoys support from some progressive circles. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has appeared on stream with him, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) has posed for friendly photos. In Michigan, Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed even welcomed Piker as a featured guest at a campaign rally.
According to the outlet, media coverage has also remained largely favorable. The New York Times profiled him as “a progressive mind in a body built for the ‘manosphere,’” complete with a stylized photo shoot on an outdoor basketball court.