LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — A California-based political streamer with growing visibility among Democrats is facing backlash after resurfaced videos showed him making offensive remarks about Asian Americans and a Vietnamese refugee. The controversy has sparked debate within the Democratic Party about its relationship with online influencers ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
The videos feature Hasan Piker, a left-leaning online personality known for his large following on streaming platforms. In one clip, Piker reacted to a 2020 video by the BBC that featured a Vietnamese refugee discussing support for President Donald Trump among some in her community.
During the segment, Piker launched into a profanity-laced rant targeting the refugee. He also made broader comments about Asian Americans in another clip, comparing them to “dogs” supporting white people. The remarks drew criticism after the videos circulated online.
The footage was later shared by the Republican National Committee. Reports indicate the clips were removed from Piker’s livestream archives. It remains unclear when the original broadcasts occurred.
The controversy has created divisions among prominent Democrats. Some party members have called for distancing themselves from Piker, while others continue to engage with his platform.
U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna defended his past appearance on Piker’s livestream in a recent interview with NBC News. Khanna said he does not regret the decision and argued that avoiding such platforms could hurt Democrats in future elections. He is widely viewed as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential race.
Political strategist Saikat Chakrabarti, who has ties to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has also shown support for Piker. Chakrabarti, who is running to replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi, recently posted a campaign video describing Piker as a friend. Billionaire activist Tom Steyer has also appeared on Piker’s platform. Steyer is currently running a progressive campaign for governor of California.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has had a more complex relationship with the streamer. Newsom was among a small group of high-profile Democrats willing to engage with online influencers, including Piker, according to a survey by Politico. However, Piker has claimed that Newsom ultimately declined to appear on his platform. The streamer has also criticized the governor in the past and suggested he might support a third-party candidate over him in a future election.
The situation highlights the growing role of digital influencers in U.S. politics. Streamers like Piker attract younger audiences who often consume political content outside traditional media channels.
Democrats have increasingly turned to these platforms to expand their reach. Supporters argue that engaging with online figures helps connect with voters who might not follow conventional news outlets. Critics warn that association with controversial personalities carries reputational risks. The resurfaced videos have intensified that debate. Some party members now face questions about whether prior appearances on Piker’s platform signal endorsement of his views.
The controversy comes as early maneuvering for the 2028 presidential race gains attention. Figures like Khanna and Newsom are already under scrutiny for their political strategies and alliances. Analysts say the incident underscores the challenges political parties face in the digital age. Online platforms offer powerful tools for outreach, but can quickly amplify past statements or missteps.
For now, neither Piker nor several Democratic figures linked to him have issued detailed responses to the latest backlash. The episode continues to draw attention as discussions about media influence, accountability, and political messaging evolve. As the 2028 campaign cycle approaches, the role of influencers — and the risks tied to them — is likely to remain a key issue for both parties.
