House Democrats are facing widespread ridicule after releasing a TikTok video that many across the political spectrum have labeled “cringe.”
The video, featuring Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jasmine Crockett, Lauren Underwood, Katherine Clark, Judy Chu, and Susie Lee, mimics the popular “Choose Your Fighter” trend, but its reception has been anything but victorious.
Posted by TikTok influencer Sulhee Jessica Woo, the video attempts to frame the Democratic congresswomen as fierce contenders by listing their attributes in a fighting-game style.
Ocasio-Cortez is highlighted as the “youngest woman and Latina elected to the House” with a skill set that includes being a “Trekkie.”
Crockett is noted for her legal background but also admitted she’s “not a morning person.”
Underwood’s profile mentions her groundbreaking election as the first Black woman in Congress from Illinois but also inexplicably includes a dislike for balloons.
Social Media Reacts: “This Is Beyond Parody”
The attempt at relatability, however, quickly backfired. Social media erupted with mockery, with users on X (formerly Twitter) calling the video “cringe-tastic” and evidence of why House Democrats are struggling in approval ratings. One comment summed up the reaction bluntly:
“This is beyond parody. It’s embarrassing.”
Adding insult to injury, the Trump administration’s official Rapid Response account on X joined in on the fun.
“Democrats Not Be Cringe Challenge. Level: Impossible,” the White House quipped, further amplifying the video’s disastrous reception.
Prominent conservatives also took aim at the video.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene slammed it as a desperate attempt to appear relevant, contrasting it with the Democrats’ refusal to stand and clap for a child with cancer during President Trump’s recent Congressional address.
“Democrats have sunk so low that I’m actually starting to feel sorry for them,” Greene remarked.
A Party in Crisis?
The backlash to the TikTok video comes at a time of internal strife for the Democratic Party.
After suffering a sweeping defeat in November, with Republicans securing the presidency and control of both chambers of Congress, Democrats are grappling with how to reconnect with voters.
While some defenders argue that engaging in social media trends is necessary to appeal to younger audiences, critics say this latest attempt reflects a party more focused on optics than substance.
“It’s as if the party is trying to implode itself,” Fox News contributor Joe Concha remarked.
Others pointed out that the “Choose Your Fighter” trend peaked on TikTok years ago, making the video feel even more out-of-touch.
“One of the worst parts about this: the Choose Your Fighter trend was popular on TikTok like three years ago,” journalist Peter Hamby noted.
Capitalizing on the viral backlash, the Trump administration released its own take on the “Choose Your Fighter” trend. Their montage featured President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and key officials such as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, with the caption:
“America Chose Its Fighters Last November.”
