Rep. Mike Lawler of New York is facing criticism from some conservatives after publicly objecting to a video shared by President Donald Trump on social media. The video, posted on Truth Social, focused largely on claims related to the 2020 election but included a brief animated image at the end that drew attention online.
Lawler responded by calling the post inappropriate and urged that it be removed. In a message shared on X, he said the content was offensive and stated that an apology should be issued, regardless of whether the inclusion was intentional or accidental. His comments aligned with criticism that quickly spread across social media and news outlets.
The White House dismissed the reaction, describing it as an overinterpretation of a short animated segment embedded within a longer meme-style video. In a statement to NewsNation, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the clip was part of a broader internet meme format and argued that the focus on the brief image was misplaced.
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina also criticized the video in a social media post, expressing concern over how it could be perceived. His remarks, like Lawler’s, sparked debate among Republicans, with some party members saying the response amplified a controversy rather than providing context.
The episode comes amid renewed discussion around election-related issues, as federal authorities review voting systems and records in several jurisdictions. The disagreement highlights ongoing divisions within the Republican Party over how to respond to online controversies involving the president and the role of social media content in political discourse.