Senator Lee Calls for Condemnation of Trump Piñata Video
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has publicly demanded that Democrats denounce a social media video depicting a child striking a piñata designed to resemble former President Donald Trump. In a post on X, Lee urged, “This isn’t funny,” emphasizing that such actions contribute to a culture that could normalize violence. He shared the video on a Sunday evening, expressing concern over its implications.
The video, which was originally posted by the far-right account Libs of TikTok, has sparked significant backlash. Lee’s post included a caption claiming that such behavior teaches children to engage in violence against others. “They want us all dead,” read the original post, which has since been widely circulated.
As controversy swirled around the video, some political observers pointed out the irony in Lee’s outrage. Recently, he faced criticism for mocking Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) after the Senate Minority Leader’s recent health issues. This comes after Lee himself had previously made light of a misstep by Joe Biden, who fell while boarding Air Force One earlier this year.
Lee’s political evolution has been notable. According to Tim Alberta, a staff writer for The Atlantic, Lee’s stance has shifted dramatically since 2020, transitioning from a critic of Trump to a supporter of the former president’s efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election. This change has been attributed by former chief of staff Spencer Stokes to a desire for respect within the party.
Critics are now questioning whether Lee’s call for condemnation of the piñata video reflects genuine concern or a politically motivated stance. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the response from Democratic leaders regarding Lee’s demand remains to be seen.
