Hasan Piker defends his role in Democratic politics and backs AOC for 2028

Hasan Piker, the Twitch streamer and outspoken democratic socialist, said he does not see his role as helping Democrats look better, even as some party officials criticize him for controversial remarks. Speaking at the 2026 Socialism Conference in Chicago, he said his long livestreams often give critics material for viral backlash. Piker has faced condemnation for past comments, including saying the United States "deserved 9/11," a remark he later said was poorly worded. He argued that his criticism was aimed at U.S. Middle East policy rather than the attack itself. The streamer has backed progressive candidates in recent election cycles, including Michigan Senate nominee Abdul ElSayed, and said he would support Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez if she runs for president in 2028. He added that he expects his influence in leftwing politics to keep growing, even as mainstream Democrats distance themselves from him.