Democratic Representative Ro Khanna of California stood firm on Sunday during an appearance on “Meet the Press,” telling host Kristen Welker that he has no regrets about his multiple appearances on socialist streamer Hasan Piker’s platform.
Despite growing internal party friction regarding Piker’s rhetoric and recent allegations of animal cruelty, Khanna signaled a clear intent to maintain his ties with the influential Twitch personality, stating bluntly, “None. And I would go again.”
The exchange highlighted a deepening divide within the Democratic Party as it navigates the midterms. Welker pressed Khanna on Piker’s history of controversial remarks, citing a report from a left-leaning think tank that labeled Piker as an extreme agitator.
The report detailed instances where Piker allegedly referred to ultra-Orthodox Jews as “inbred,” used antisemitic tropes, and claimed Hamas was “1,000 times better than the Israeli state.”
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While Piker has argued that some of his statements are stripped of context, the outcry from fellow Democrats has intensified as his influence grows toward the 2028 cycle.
Adding to the political tension are recent allegations involving Piker’s treatment of his dog, Kaya. Vice President J.D. Vance recently joined a chorus of critics after an October 2025 livestream appeared to show Piker using a shock collar to force the dog into specific positions for the camera.
The controversy erupted when the dog was heard yelping during a broadcast, leading fellow streamer Tectone to claim on X that Piker was using the device on a setting high enough to make the animal “f***ing scream.”
While veterinary experts at Dogster.com note that such devices can lead to severe anxiety and aggression in pets, the fallout hasn’t deterred Khanna.
The Congressman’s refusal to distance himself suggests a calculated strategy to remain connected to Piker’s massive digital audience, even as mainstream peers raise alarms over the streamer’s controversial record.
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