President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a “terrible liability” and a “communist.”

The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP’s political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections. Piker argues those attacks will backfire, but also says he has played a role in being portrayed as a 'figurehead of the insurgent left.'

“The way that I'm portrayed in the media is an America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist who wants to secretly do jihad, and then also, at the same time, very woke and gay, so there's this weird inconsistency in their messaging,” Piker says. “Who I am is very simple. I'm a socialist. I'm an anti-imperialist. I want what's best for Americans, and I want what's best for everyone from all around the world.”

In this episode from NPR’s Newsmakers, Piker sits down with host Leila Fadel and argues Republicans are using him to distract from policies that made life less affordable. He also addresses his seven Twitch bans, defends his rhetoric against right-wing reactionaries, and reflects on the crisis of loneliness among young men — and the limits of his influence.

“At the end of the day, I'm a Twitch streamer,” Piker says. “I hold no political office. I have no real political power. So getting people to be upset at a Twitch streamer and their affiliation as a, if you want to call it a surrogate, in the primary is going to be very difficult.”

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President Donald Trump is campaigning across traditionally Republican states as his party tries to turn out voters in an increasingly competitive midterm map.
Ukraine says U.S.-supplied Starshield satellite communications have suddenly been restricted, disrupting the drones it uses to attack Russia and defend against Russian strikes.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck the headquarters of Saudi oil giant Aramco and are threatening more attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities as the conflict escalates.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Andrew Sussman, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ben Abrams.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott.

Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:52) Trump's Midterm Travel
(05:38) Ukraine Starshield Restrictions
(10:00) Houthis Attack Aramco

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In a sit-down interview with NPR, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the U.S. warned it could cut intelligence sharing over Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries.
Pope Leo XIV is recovering from surgery after the Vatican announced he has lung cancer, as doctors wait for more test results to determine what comes next.
President Trump forced out U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle after a series of misconduct allegations, raising new questions about his political appointees overseas.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Daniel Burke, Hannah Bloch, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott.

Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Ukraine's President Sits With NPR
(05:36) Pope Leo Lung Cancer
(09:12) Ambassador Guilfoyle Forced Out

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President Trump is ramping up campaign travel and putting himself at the center of the midterms as Republicans fight increasingly competitive races in states he won easily.
Federal agents searched Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar’s home as part of a criminal investigation just weeks before the midterms, prompting her to accuse the Trump administration of political targeting.
European allies are pushing back on Trump’s approach to Russia, with the E-U tightening sanctions and NATO’s top commander warning the alliance is ready to fight if attacked.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Padma Rama, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott.

Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:52) Trump Midterm Campaigning
(05:20) Rep. Omar Home Searched
(08:56) Europe Pushes Back on Russia Deal

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President Trump is increasing pressure on Ukraine over its strikes on Russian oil refineries while again calling on Ukrainians to hold wartime elections and threatening to cut off U.S. intelligence support.
President Trump is trying to show voters he is focused on affordability as record fuel prices and a controversial Russian diesel deal collide with his familiar political grievances just weeks before the midterms.
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have killed at least 20 people in the past week and repeatedly struck Riyadh’s main airport, raising new questions about the kingdom’s security and the role of its allies.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Brett Neely, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Taylor Haney.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven.

Our technical director is David Greenburg.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:52) Trump Pressures Ukraine
(05:48) Trump's Midterm Priorities
(09:27) Saudi Arabia Airport Attacks

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Aliksandria Prout had only been at the Central California Women’s Facility for a few days when a male officer stopped her at a checkpoint. “You have beautiful lips and beautiful eyes,” he said. That was just the beginning. On this episode of The Sunday Story, we feature the first episode of a new three-part series from KQED’s Snap Judgment called “We Are Jane Doe.” It follows thirteen women and their fight for justice against the jailers who sexually assaulted them.

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The first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season strikes the Florida panhandle and drenches the southeast. Trump agrees to import Russian diesel, in the hopes of lowering gas prices. New York City is rattled after ICE shot a man who was driving his 5-year-old son home from school. 
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Hurricane Isaias is expected to strike near the Alabama-Florida state line as communities prepare for dangerous winds, flooding and a life-threatening storm surge.
Ukraine is reclaiming territory in the east with a counteroffensive that uses drones and unmanned ground vehicles to push back Russian forces.
President Trump says the U.S. will not launch new strikes on Iran before the midterm elections as the unpopular war weighs on Republicans heading into Election Day.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Susanna Capelouto, Tina Kraja, Megan Pratz, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott

Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:56) Bracing For Hurricane Isaias
(05:40) Ukraine Pushes Russia Back
(08:59) Iran War Impact On Midterms

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Communities along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast are preparing for Hurricane Isaias as officials warn of flooding, damaging winds and disruptions to weekend events.
Democrats are targeting House districts President Trump won comfortably in 2024, while Republicans spend heavily to defend seats that would normally be considered safe.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico are back in federal court challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict their reporters’ access to the White House.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Susanna Capelouto, Megan Pratz, Emily Kopp, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott.

Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:51) Preparations For Isaias Storm
(05:56) Competitive Midterm Races
(09:36) Trump Media Ban In Court

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The U.S. pulled a dozen bombers out of Britain after officials identified a credible Iran-linked threat, raising new questions about how exposed American forces are to drone attacks overseas.
French students are protesting teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating schools as demonstrations spread nationwide and clashes with police intensify.
Germany has arrested former intelligence chief August Hanning on suspicion of attempted treason after prosecutors accused him of obtaining classified documents for a foreign spy service.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott.

Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:51) Threats On US Bases Overseas
(05:31) France Student Protest
(09:26) German Spy Arrest

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With four weeks until the midterms, Democrats have the advantage in the polls and are increasingly competitive in Senate races that once looked safe for Republican.
Saudi-backed forces in Yemen say they have pushed Houthi rebels back from areas around a key Red Sea shipping route, as the Houthis strike Saudi oil facilities and the fighting draws in more outside powers.
Paramount and Warner Brothers complete their mega merger bringing major studios, streaming services, CNN and CBS News under one company.

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Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Tina Kraja, Russell Lewis, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Stacey Abbott.

Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:13) Democrats Lead In Midterm Polls
(06:41) Yemen War Front
(10:19) Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

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