Schumer Revives Grilling Photo as Senate Leadership Is Questioned

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer revived a much-mocked grilling photo on November 4, posting it with a caption saying Democrats had secured “54 seats and counting” and that he had learned how to grill. The image, altered to show political opponents on burgers and hot dogs, appeared the day after the midterm elections, as Democrats made gains in the Senate and House. Schumer’s post reused a photograph he had first shared on Father’s Day in 2024 and later deleted, according to accounts describing the image’s history. In the new post, he wrote that the burgers and hot dogs were fully cooked. The caption and image drew criticism online, including from some users identifying themselves as Democrats, though those responses do not establish broader public opinion. The eventual size of the Senate majority remained unsettled on November 6, with Alaska and Mississippi still too close to call. Democrats were projected to hold between 54 and 56 seats. The 54-seat figure in Schumer’s post reflected the count cited at the time, rather than a final tally. Schumer also faces questions about whether he will remain leader of Senate Democrats. Several incoming Democratic senators have said...