Ossoff joins colleagues in condemning Hasan Piker
Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, publicly condemned streamer Hasan Piker for comments suggesting violence against American Jews if they support Israel. Ossoff, who is jewish himself, emphasized that such rhetoric is dangerous and advocates for the freedom and security of all Americans to speak out. Several other Democratic senators, including Cory Booker, Jacky Rosen, and Elissa Slotkin, also disavowed Piker’s statements. Piker’s comments, which included controversial remarks about jewish Americans and 9/11, drew widespread backlash, especially from the Jewish community and Democratic colleagues. It was noted that severing ties with Piker poses risks for Democrats due to his large online following. Piker has also aligned with Michigan Democratic senate candidate Abdul el Sayed, who refused to denounce Piker’s remarks, further complicating the political reactions. Ossoff’s condemnation highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party regarding free speech, anti-Semitism, and political alliances in the digital age.
Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) joined his Democrat and Jewish colleagues in condemning controversial streamer Hasan Piker, whose previously inflammatory comments about American Jews have drawn scrutiny from both sides of the aisle.
Troves of House Democrats moved to condemn Piker after he said, “eventually, someone is going to come around and take action … against American Jews” if they “keep putting this idea out there that they are singularly invested in Israel.” Piker made the comments while discussing Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss, who is Jewish and a Democratic congressional candidate, on a livestream.
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Ossoff, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution through a spokesperson that he rejects the “dangerous rhetoric suggesting that policy advocacy invites violence against the Jewish community or any community.” The outlet said Ossoff’s office responded after being “pressed” on Piker.
“American Jews and all Americans must have the freedom and security to speak out and petition their government without fear of reprisal,” he said.
Ossoff, who is Jewish, is the second prospective presidential candidate to disavow Piker, joining Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). Ossoff had faced backlash from the Jewish community for not denouncing Piker sooner.
Besides Booker, Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) have also disavowed Piker.
Progressive operatives have cautioned that severing ties with Piker is a risk for Democrats, as he has a massive online following that can convey messages in ways politicians can’t.
Piker was thrust into national headlines after joining Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul el Sayed on the campaign trail. El Sayed, who has also spoken out against aid to Israel, has faced backlash for refusing to condemn Piker’s comments, which also include that America “deserved” 9/11.
El Sayed said on Wednesday that he has “no plans” to campaign further with Piker, but has not disavowed comments others view as antisemitic, only saying that Piker does not speak for his campaign.
With Ossoff’s condemnation, Piker could now weaponize his following against the Senator and possible presidential hopeful. Piker has called Ossoff his “dark-horse pick” for 2028, but said his backing depends on “how he presents himself.”
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