Pod Save America Accused of Removing Criticism of Streamer Hasan Piker After Moderate Democrats Praised Segment

The progressive podcast “Pod Save America” came under fire Monday after former Biden officials accused the show of temporarily removing a social media clip featuring criticism of internet personality Hasan Piker. The segment, which originally aired Sunday and featured MSNBC host Chris Hayes and guest host Alex Wagner, was deleted from X before being reposted hours later in an extended version, according to observers.

During the episode, Hayes and Wagner discussed Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign appearances alongside Piker, a far-left streamer with a history of controversial statements. Hayes stated that Piker’s public association with political candidates in general elections posed strategic challenges, noting the difficulty in controlling a content creator’s inflammatory rhetoric.

Former Biden special assistant Michael LaRosa, who previously served as press secretary to former first lady Jill Biden, flagged the deletion on social media. LaRosa said the podcast removed the clip before 9 a.m. ET Monday, with a longer version not reappearing until after 3 p.m. ET that same day.

Gun control advocate Shannon Watts also noted the removal and later suggested the podcast had reposted the content with additional context. LaRosa disputed that explanation, suggesting pressure from Piker or El-Sayed’s representatives prompted the deletion and recreation.

Piker has faced sustained criticism for past remarks including statements that America deserved the September 11 attacks and comments dismissing accusations of sexual violence. El-Sayed’s association with the streamer has drawn concerns from prominent Democrats, including former Clinton impeachment counsel Julian Epstein, who recently announced support for the Republican candidate in the race.