Ilhan Omar Defends Campaigning With Controversial Streamer Amid Democratic Backlash

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is facing criticism from within her own party for scheduled participation in a campaign event with streamer Hasan Piker. Several Minnesota Democrats have called for Omar to cancel the appearance, citing Piker's past rhetoric, with just days remaining before the midterm elections.

Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., described Piker's language as "polarizing and dangerous" and called his embrace a "mistake." The campaign for Sen. Amy Klobuchar also deemed some of Piker's statements "reckless and unacceptable." Other Democratic officials and party groups have urged Omar and state Sen. Omar Fateh, the event's host, to withdraw.

The controversy highlights a division among Minnesota Democrats concerning Piker's large following among young progressives versus the political risks associated with his past statements. Professor Larry Jacobs of the University of Minnesota told FOX 9 that the event could create a "split within the DFL" and potentially distract from statewide Democratic messaging, placing candidates in a difficult position with moderate and Jewish voters.

Piker, who has millions of social media followers, has drawn scrutiny for remarks concerning the Sept. 11 attacks, Hamas, Israel, and Jewish people. He has since apologized for a 2019 comment that "America deserved 9/11" and denies accusations of antisemitism.

Omar's campaign, however, has defended her decision to participate by emphasizing Piker's appeal to younger voters, a demographic Democrats aim to mobilize. "Early voting among people under 40 is down, and we need to do everything to get young people to the polls," Omar's campaign stated. "The Congresswoman knows the Democratic Party is a Big Tent party, and she's excited to join Senator Omar Fateh's event to mobilize young voters and get them to vote in this critical midterm election."

Piker has previously stated he would "vote for Hamas over Israel every single time" and described Orthodox Jews as "inbred." More recently, he warned that continued American Jewish support for Israel could prompt someone to "take action" against American Jews.

Fox News Digital reached out to Omar's campaign, Fateh, and Piker for comment on the growing criticism and calls to cancel the event but had not received an immediate response.