Chuck Schumer’s Viral Burger Mistake Resurfaces as GOP Fundraising Gold [WATCH]

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) revived a viral misstep by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer this week as part of a broader effort to appeal to working-class voters and criticize the Democratic Party’s disconnect with everyday Americans.

On Wednesday, coinciding with National Hamburger Day, the NRSC released a video titled “We Grill Right.”

The ad featured a resurfaced photo from a 2024 Father’s Day post by Schumer, in which he appeared to place a slice of cheese directly onto a raw hamburger patty while it was still on the grill.

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“Our family has lived in an apartment building for all our years, but my daughter and her wife just bought a house with a backyard and for the first time we’re having a barbeque with hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill!” Schumer wrote in his original social media post.

The photo quickly drew ridicule from conservatives and social media users who mocked the Senate leader for what they saw as a clear lapse in basic grilling technique.

The post was eventually deleted after gaining attention from critics, including late-night host Stephen Colbert.

Chuck Schumer is 73 years old. Remarkably, he has yet to master the art of grilling a simple burger.

Nonetheless, some people inexplicably have faith in his leadership and believe that his Democratic Party thinks gas stoves are bad for the planet, but gas grills are fine.

Sad… pic.twitter.com/dzH7IuwoZ7

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) June 17, 2024

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A year later, the NRSC is capitalizing on the moment, not just to mock Schumer, but to contrast Republican culture with what they argue is a Democratic disconnect from American traditions.

The video closes with the message, “Join a real party. The Republican Party. We grill right.”

Happy National Hamburger Day, @chuckschumer.

We grill like we vote: RIGHT. pic.twitter.com/C15pvM3kOU

— Senate Republicans (@NRSC) May 28, 2025

The campaign arm also launched related merchandise on its website, including beer koozies that read, “I grill like I vote. Right.”

The grilling gaffe has taken on broader significance as Republicans look to reinforce their image as aligned with everyday Americans, especially working-class and male voters.

The NRSC’s statement alongside the video highlighted reports, confirmed by Fox News, that Democratic consultants are spending upwards of $20 million to find ways to better connect with those key demographics ahead of the 2026 midterms.

“Shouldn’t take much to know how to grill a burger or correctly call a pick six, but apparently for Democrats, figuring out how to be a normal American takes at least $20 million — and even that won’t be enough,” NRSC regional press secretary Nick Puglia said in a statement accompanying the release.

The timing of the NRSC’s messaging comes as Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.

With several competitive races on the horizon in 2026, the GOP is looking to solidify and expand its hold in the upper chamber by leaning into cultural contrasts and emphasizing themes that resonate with traditional and blue-collar voters.

The effort is also part of a broader Republican strategy of tying national Democratic figures to what they frame as cultural elitism and out-of-touch behavior.

The NRSC’s video appears intended to reinforce that image and energize conservative voters by invoking a relatable, everyman message.

The Democratic Party’s internal polling and consulting strategies have increasingly pointed to challenges in retaining support from male voters without college degrees — a group that has trended toward the GOP in recent election cycles.

With the midterms approaching, Republicans are expected to continue leaning into these cultural contrasts, using moments like Schumer’s deleted burger post as symbolic examples of what they portray as the growing divide between the Democratic Party and the values of everyday Americans.

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