Controversial streamer Hasan Piker is again facing criticism following the placement of a framed newspaper front page covering the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the background of his streams. Viewers noted the framed newspaper, appearing to be The New York Times’ Sept. 12, 2001, edition, was visible as early as July 13. Piker himself referred to the item during a stream this month, calling it the "morning of 9/12… the newspaper that covered 9/11."

This incident revives scrutiny from 2019 when Piker stated "America deserved 9/11" during a stream. He later clarified in an interview that he did not mean the U.S. deserved the attacks, attributing the comment to a critique of U.S. foreign policy and admitting his language was "inappropriate."

Convention Controversy

Piker's recent appearance as a speaker at the College Democrats of America (CDA) convention in Washington, D.C., from July 17-19, also sparked debate. During his address, Piker criticized Democrats who "compromise, who conciliate, and who betray us," stating, "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." He was also noted for wearing a jacket described by some as "Mao Zedong-esque."

The CDA Jewish Caucus objected to Piker's inclusion, labeling him "antisemitic and misogynistic" and asserting that normalizing his rhetoric poses a threat to Jewish safety and inclusion within the College Democrats community.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also expressed disappointment, stating on X that it is "deeply concerning to see the next generation of political leaders help normalize antisemitism rather than reject it."

J Street U, a co-sponsor of the event, stated that while they had no role in speaker selection, they were proud to participate and make their pro-Israel views known. Jeremy Ben Ami, the organization's founder, indicated that the group has "many disagreements" with Piker.

Additionally, a group called DSA Watch, which had criticized Piker's convention speech, was labeled by Piker during a stream as a "right-wing operation" and potentially a "hasbara operation." DSA Watch denied these claims and stated Piker's alleged source was linked to a "failed dox attempt."

The framing of the 9/11 newspaper and Piker's convention speech have intensified discussions among Democrats regarding his engagement with younger voters and the potential impact of his controversial rhetoric. Some Democratic figures, including Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, have previously campaigned with Piker, drawing mixed reactions within the party.