GOP Leader Calls Out The Left

Conservative Political Action Conference Chairman Matt Schlapp is warning that rhetoric he considers hostile toward the United States could become a political liability for Democrats.

During a Monday appearance on Newsmax, Schlapp argued that anti-American sentiment has become increasingly visible among some voices on the political left.

“Hating America became vogue on the left,” Schlapp said during “The Record With Greta Van Susteren.”

Schlapp said he believes the trend has been developing for years, pointing to political and cultural battles that emerged during the Black Lives Matter protests and the nationwide debate over removing historical statues and monuments.

“We saw that with everything that went forward with the BLM [Black Lives Matter] stuff and ripping down statues and it went too far,” Schlapp said. “And a lot of Democrats know it.”

Schlapp Says Extreme Rhetoric Should Carry Political Consequences

Schlapp argued that rhetoric expressing hostility toward the United States—or appearing to endorse violence against Americans—should become politically damaging regardless of who is responsible for it.

“We ought to make hating America and wishing violence on America politically toxic,” he said.

His comments come as political parties increasingly face scrutiny over statements made not only by candidates and elected officials, but also by activists and online personalities associated with them.

Schlapp specifically mentioned Twitch streamer Hasan Piker and his political associations.

“If Hasan Piker is considered toxic because he campaigned with El-Sayed and other Democrats, and Democrats won’t call him out, I’m fine with that,” Schlapp said, referring to Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.

The dispute illustrates a growing challenge for political candidates in the social media era. Associations with controversial online personalities can quickly become campaign issues, especially when old statements or videos begin circulating again.

Social Media Influencers Come Under Fire

Schlapp also criticized the broader culture surrounding social media influencers, arguing that the pursuit of internet fame can have negative consequences for younger Americans.

“The idea that everyone’s going to be a social media influencer is a real cancer in our society,” Schlapp said. “It ruins young people’s lives.”

Social media has transformed American politics in recent years. Candidates from both major parties now use short videos, podcasts, livestreams and online personalities to communicate directly with voters.

Those platforms can give politicians access to audiences that traditional television and newspapers may struggle to reach. At the same time, they can amplify controversial statements within minutes and create new political problems for candidates.

Schlapp Says Voters Ultimately Make the Decision

Despite his criticism of Democrats, Schlapp acknowledged that Republicans can also suffer when voters nominate candidates who fail to meet expectations.

He said Americans have broad freedom to express controversial opinions and seek public office, leaving voters responsible for deciding who deserves their support.

“I think in America, you’re allowed to spout off and say stupid things. You’re allowed to run for office. And at the end of the day, we have to trust the people,” Schlapp said.

He then turned his criticism toward both political parties.

“When the Republican Party elects people that … really aren’t up to snuff, it makes it harder for the party,” Schlapp said.

He added that Democrats can face the same political consequences when their candidates are viewed as too extreme by voters.

Schlapp Previously Criticized Democrats’ Social Media Strategy

Schlapp has raised similar concerns before.

In August, he argued that Democrats were becoming increasingly focused on producing viral social media content, describing some party figures as “professional reel makers.”

He pointed to Virginia congressional candidate Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs and her effort targeting Secretary of War Pete Hegseth as an example of what he sees as a larger shift in Democratic political strategy.

Whether voters agree with Schlapp’s assessment or not, his comments highlight an increasingly important reality of modern American politics: social media personalities, viral videos and controversial online statements can now influence national political debates almost instantly.

For both Republicans and Democrats, that creates opportunities as well as risks.

Candidates can reach millions of Americans without relying on traditional media, but they can also find themselves answering for the statements and actions of people with whom they have appeared or aligned.

As the 2026 midterm election season continues, debates over patriotism, political rhetoric and the growing influence of social media are likely to remain part of the national political conversation.