Controversial streamer Hasan Piker is facing renewed scrutiny after viewers noticed a framed copy of a newspaper front page covering the September 11, 2001 attacks prominently displayed in the background of his livestreams. The framed front page, which appears to be the September 12, 2001 edition of The New York Times, features the headline: «U.S. Attacked: Hijacked Jets Destroy Twin Towers and Hit Pentagon in Day of Terror.» The earliest livestream showing the newspaper was broadcast on July 13, according to Fox News Digital.
Piker addressed the addition during a stream earlier this month, telling viewers: «You might have noticed something, some changes behind me. I finally framed the cutie Cinderella newspaper from 9/11, the morning of 9/12… the newspaper that covered 9/11. It's now officially sitting behind me.» The comment drew immediate backlash online, with critics pointing to Piker's history of controversial remarks about the attacks.
In 2019, Piker sparked widespread outrage after saying that «America deserved 9/11» during a stream. Following intense criticism, he later clarified in an interview that he did not mean the attacks were justified, but rather that he was criticizing U.S. foreign policy. «I should have used more precise and better use of language there,» Piker said at the time. He also acknowledged that his comments were «inappropriate» and that he had given political opponents an opportunity to «morally grandstand.»
The renewed attention comes as Piker's influence extends beyond his streaming platform. He was a featured speaker at the College Democrats of America convention held in Washington, D.C., from July 17 to July 19. Other speakers included activist David Hogg, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, and several Democratic lawmakers. However, Piker's presence drew the most scrutiny, particularly after he wore what many described as a Mao Zedong-style jacket while criticizing Democrats who «compromise, who conciliate, and who betray us.»
During his convention speech, Piker said: «No more to the fascist reactionaries, but no more to the Democrats who will collaborate and cooperate with the fascists, who will fund ICE, who will fund Israel, who will help poison the planet, who will stiff workers and help bosses.» The remarks further fueled criticism from both conservative and some progressive circles.
The College Democrats of America Jewish Caucus issued a statement objecting to Piker's inclusion, calling him «antisemitic and misogynistic.» The caucus said: «The normalization of Piker and his rhetoric in CDA-sanctioned programming is a direct threat to Jewish safety and inclusion within the College Democrats community. Applying a double standard to the safety and representation of Jewish students is a manifestation of antisemitism.» The Anti-Defamation League also weighed in, expressing disappointment that the organization chose to feature Piker. «It's deeply concerning to see the next generation of political leaders help normalize antisemitism rather than reject it,» the ADL wrote on social media.
One of the convention's co-sponsors, J Street U, the campus arm of the left-leaning pro-Israel group J Street, faced backlash for its association with the event. Founder Jeremy Ben Ami defended the decision, saying: «J Street U was proud to sponsor and participate in the College Democrats Convention. We had no role in the selection of speakers, including the decision to have Hasan Piker as a surprise guest, with whom we have many disagreements.» He added that failing to show up would have been «an abdication of our responsibility to make the case for our pro-Israel views.»
Piker has also clashed with critics online. After DSA Watch, a group that monitors left-wing figures, posted a clip of his stream and criticized his convention speech, Piker accused the group of being a «right-wing operation» and «most likely a hasbara operation as well,» referring to Israeli public relations efforts. DSA Watch denied the claims, stating that Piker's source was related to «a failed dox attempt.»
The streamer's involvement in Democratic politics has been a point of contention within the party. Some Democrats, including Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, New York State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, and activist Darializa Avila Chevalier, have campaigned with Piker. These appearances have sparked debate over whether embracing the streamer helps reach younger voters or whether his rhetoric makes him a liability. The framed newspaper and his convention speech have added new layers to the ongoing discussion about Piker's role in Democratic political circles.
