X Close

Libs of TikTok’s influence is spreading to Washington

Libs of TikTok mastermind Chaya Raichik speaks at CPAC last year. Credit: CPAC

March 9, 2024 - 2:00pm

The social media account Libs of TikTok (LOTT) has grown into a major player in American politics, and it is even influencing Democratic senators.

Pennsylvania senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey withdrew their request for $1 million in federal funding for an LGBT community centre this week after a LOTT tweet revealed that the venue allows its space to be used for BDSM and kink-themed “play parties”. The post, shared by Republican members of Congress, has so far received 4.7 million views.

The swift backlash was enough to persuade both senators to drop the funding request, with Fetterman saying he expected Republicans to kill the funding if he didn’t reluctantly pull the request himself. “I’m new here, but I wasn’t aware that Democratic values and priorities are dictated by Libs of TikTok,” the politician wrote.

This episode serves as the culmination of LOTT’s slow transition from online personality to major political influencer. The account, run by Chaya Raichik, first rose to national prominence in 2022, with Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan sharing her posts on air. LOTT’s output focused on videos shared by school teachers’ own social media accounts, describing the ways they bring identity politics, particularly on LGBT issues, into their classrooms while teaching young students.

Those clips played a major role in dictating the tone of the culture wars from 2022, as parents became increasingly concerned about sexually explicit content being taught to schoolchildren. Numerous school boards flipped from Democratic to Republican control that year, with Covid policies and LGBT curriculum debates driving much of the fight.

Raichik has claimed responsibility for multiple teachers losing their jobs after she shared their videos to her massive audience. For example, one teacher was fired after LOTT shared photos showing her allegedly filming OnlyFans content in the classroom. Another resigned just this week after a LOTT post drew attention to him wearing a pink dress to school on Valentine’s Day.

Until recently, the account primarily influenced Republicans. It was widely credited with inspiring a wave of state legislation restricting school lessons on gender and sexuality, most notably Florida’s 2022 Parental Rights in Education law.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s press secretary, Christina Pushaw, frequently shared and interacted with LOTT posts in the months preceding the passage of the legislation, much to the chagrin of progressive activists. Pushaw recommended following LOTT in multiple tweets, and credited the account with “opening [her] eyes” about teachers discussing sex and LGBT issues with children.

Buoyed by her larger profile, Raichik went on to be a speaker at CPAC in 2023. More recently, she was appointed to Oklahoma’s library media advisory committee after her account drew attention to several books marketed to young adults which contain graphic illustrations of sex acts. LOTT’s influence is, by all appearances, poised to keep growing. 


is UnHerd’s US correspondent.

laureldugg

Join the discussion


Join like minded readers that support our journalism by becoming a paid subscriber


To join the discussion in the comments, become a paid subscriber.

Join like minded readers that support our journalism, read unlimited articles and enjoy other subscriber-only benefits.

Subscribe
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

65 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Richard Craven
Richard Craven
7 months ago

Good.

Lesley van Reenen
Lesley van Reenen
7 months ago

It’s all out there… she is just shining the light.

Jim Veenbaas
Jim Veenbaas
7 months ago

I very much doubt the Florida legislation was driven by LOTT. Much more likely that during lockdowns parents across the U.S. became aware of what was happening in the classroom.

Katja Sipple
Katja Sipple
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

I suspect you are right, but once parents understood what was happening right before their eyes, they turned to sources such as LOTT to learn more. I am English, but I spend several months per year in Virginia, and unfortunately, the 2021 rape case where a “boy in a skirt” sexually assaulted and violated a girl in the women’s lavatory at school played out in my neighbourhood. It was a sordid tale, which involved a school board that covered up the abuse, and moved the offender to another school where he promptly assaulted another girl, vile “activist” parents calling the traumatised juvenile victim a liar, the girl’s father getting arrested, and much more.
My daughter attended a private school, and I was blissfully unaware about these goings-on. I imagine that many other parents were in a similar position.

Mike Downing
Mike Downing
7 months ago

At this rate, we’ll all be wondering why there was so much pushback against Thatcher’s ‘infamous’ Clause 28.

I’m an alphabet person myself but am frankly staggered and appalled at how far this has gone in the other direction.

Apparently, one of the recommended books for infants in Scotland (where educational standards are falling faster than Isla Bryson’s leggings) is the thrilling read ‘Julian is a Mermaid ‘ (he’s not white either natch and probably neuro-diverse to boot). This was described as ‘Celebratory and groundbreaking’ by the Sunday Times no less.

Oh, please, please bring back Enid Blyton, Janet and John…..

And hanging.

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago
Reply to  Mike Downing

Clause 28 and hanging? How old are you people?!?!?
Take your homophobia elsewhere, gramps, even the Unherd crowd aren’t going to support you these days – not openly at least. The argument is over – you lost…

Jim Veenbaas
Jim Veenbaas
7 months ago

He mentioned being alphabet so I assume he’s gay. I doubt he’s homophohic.

Mike Downing
Mike Downing
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

Well spotted. Luckily, my brain isn’t in the end of my….

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

Don’t be so naïve, Jimmy.
This bigot simply claims to be “alphabet” so he can spout his inane homophobia and simpletons will say, ” I doubt he’s homophobic” (assuming that is what you were attempting to say).
A pretty transparent attempt to gain credibility that you’d have to be rather dumb to accept…

Mike Downing
Mike Downing
7 months ago

Oh no ! I’ve been found out.

(cue : Vincent Price voice)

My real name is Mike Psyop Downing.

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago
Reply to  Mike Downing

“Oh no ! I’ve been found out.”
Wasn’t too hard, sport. Try harder next time.

Frank Scavelli
Frank Scavelli
7 months ago

I rarely comment but am a frequent comment reader. I have to say, your views are generally shockingly cringe.

Ian_S
Ian_S
7 months ago

Don’t you feel somehow unsatisfied with your line of reasoning when it requires so much straw-manning?

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago
Reply to  Ian_S

Where’s the straw manning?
Are you really that dumb and desperate to believe whatever validates your bigotry? You’re a perfect Trump supporter!

Mike Downing
Mike Downing
7 months ago

Ah, yes; ageism – the perennially acceptable prejudice.

Simon Blanchard
Simon Blanchard
7 months ago
Reply to  Mike Downing

Don’t forget gingerism.

UnHerd Reader
UnHerd Reader
7 months ago

The argument has scarcely begun. The groomers, mutilators, dehumanizers of the gender bs are going to lose and lose badly.

Francisco Menezes
Francisco Menezes
7 months ago

Old enough to remember that Clause 28 was a reaction to the stated objective to destroy the British family. But then AIDS came and the militant gays all died. Lesbian women who had a more moderate approach and actually aspired for a family life, continued the quest for emancipation and the result was equal treatment for everyone. Unfortunately, the train drove into the station’s hall, to quote Douglas Murray. Cultural marxism has a long history and homosexual men are playing the same useful idiots now as they did in the late seventies and early eighties. Of course, nowadays many gays and lesbians have become part of that despicable family life and they look in horror at what is happening now and try to avert the revenge of straight people for what is being done to their children. There always will be a backlash, and it is seldom pretty.

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago

Well, this is some genuine gibberish! With a seasoning of bigotry and homophobia!

Matt M
Matt M
7 months ago

I support the removal of all sex education (apart from the birds and the bees in biology) in schools. And hanging. And Enid Blyton.
And I’m 50 if that helps.

Simon Blanchard
Simon Blanchard
7 months ago
Reply to  Mike Downing

Please post more often.

Katja Sipple
Katja Sipple
7 months ago
Reply to  Mike Downing

I am not an alphabet person, just a normal woman who has been married to the same man for more than two decades, but I am delighted that more and more homosexual and bisexual people are seeing through this utter travesty, which is a threat to their communities as well, and are joining us in battling the insanity.
I too grew up with Enid Blyton (Famous Five, The Secret Seven, Mallory Towers, and of course, The Twins at St Clare’s), and wholeheartedly agree that these books were wholesome, educational, and enjoyable. The Famous Five even had a tomboy, Georgina, who calls herself George and prefers to wear trousers and shorts. Enid later revealed that Georgina was autobiographic. Even back then girls and women defied stereotypical notions of dressing and behaviour without ever claiming or believing that this made them male. I am constantly reminded of Edgar Allen Poe’s short story “The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Fether “ — a tale in which the patients have taken over the running of a mental institution — and am hoping for one of the staff to return and restore order!

Katja Sipple
Katja Sipple
7 months ago
Reply to  Mike Downing

P.S. I agree with you on hanging, too.

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago

Of course Republicans are creating policy based on social media – that’s just how stupid they are!
You’re the type of clowns that think Donald Trump is a christian and that Bridget Zeigler (look her up!) and the phonies she represents are anything but astroturf extremists.

Jim Veenbaas
Jim Veenbaas
7 months ago

As opposed to rational policies like open borders, net zero and mastectomies for 14 year old girls. These are all rational, moderate policies. Got it.

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

Only one of those is a policy, Jimbo. Can you work out which?!?! Go on – I’ll time you!

Jim Veenbaas
Jim Veenbaas
7 months ago

How do I counter such a dishonest or utterly ill informed comment? You’re a wall of ignorance, hubris and condescension. I know I’ll regret this, but here I go:

Biden overturned the remain in Mexico policy almost immediately after entering office. Border agents have become processing officers. They don’t turn people away from the border. Maduro in Venezuela is emptying his prisons and sending them up to the border.

Biden has explicitly stated on many occasions that DEI is a “whole of govt” effort, to be infused in all govt policies.

And we all know about net zero.

I feel creepy for responding in this way because you’re so utterly bereft of honest discourse.

Katja Sipple
Katja Sipple
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

“How do I counter such a dishonest or utterly ill informed comment?”
You don’t :-). Every word is wasted. He/she/it is one of UnHerd’s resident trolls. I guess every forum attracts at least one, and it is truly a pity that sunlight doesn’t turn them to stone. The best, and really only, approach is to ignore them. Don’t feed trolls.
“You’re a wall of ignorance, hubris and condescension.”
Of course. You can also add hypocrisy to that list. It’s already in the name. Preaches water for others, but believes in champagne for himself.

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

I’m sure you feel creepy most of the time, Jim – and the amount of time you spend obsessing about the sexuality of teenagers I’m not surprised.
But clearly open borders is not a policy – you would have been able to point it out if it were rather than rambling about border agents. Have you ever been to the US-Mexico border, Jimbo? One has to assume not if you think they are waving people through!
And why don’t you try to explain to us what DEI has to do with your compulsive fascination with the breasts of 14 year old girls? This should be pretty funny!
But you got net zero right – yay for lil’ Jimmy!!!!

UnHerd Reader
UnHerd Reader
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

The remain in Mexico rule was set up during the pandemic. Not long after Biden became president, a Texas judge ruled that because the epidemic was largely over, the remain in Mexico rule no longer applied. Biden had nothing to do with it.

UnHerd Reader
UnHerd Reader
7 months ago

Champagne Socialist, whether by choice or accident, is a parody.

michael harris
michael harris
7 months ago
Reply to  UnHerd Reader

Perhaps it used to be ‘Socialist Warrior’ on the Spectator BTL comments. That one packed up its water pistols and went away.

Katja Sipple
Katja Sipple
7 months ago
Reply to  michael harris

Good point. I think that one didn’t get the validation it was so desperately seeking. Trolls require feeding, and lack of engagement is like sunlight: it petrifies them.

Derek Smith
Derek Smith
7 months ago
Reply to  michael harris

Socialist Warrior was an obvious troll and genuinely funny. He’d wipe the floor with CS.

Samuel Ross
Samuel Ross
7 months ago

You’re a big dope.

Simon Boudewijn
Simon Boudewijn
7 months ago

All things are changing as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube have lost their death-grip on ‘Truth’ they acquired during covid – and then the public found this out, as it was so egregious and utterly Orwellian, they seek out real information. Now we have Truth Social, Rumble, Locals, X, and some others on the side of freedom of speech.

(Google, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft are all NSA/CIA originated by the funding early, and mentoring – they have such vast economic ties to the USA Fed contract $, and threats of Congress breaking them up, they do as told – which is collecting data on people, and disseminating propaganda, till Musk broke Twitter off)

Personally I mostly watch ‘Rumble’, the censor free youtubish channel. There I like the ‘Salty Cracker’ for the most radically anti woke, hour and half, rant against lefty-liberalism anywhere on the internet.

I like Viva Frei, I Love ‘The Duran’ and ‘Alexander Mercurious’ for their Truth on the horrors of the Ukrainian and Gaza wars (whatever the Telegraph of other MSM say – the opposite is the truth), Tucker Carlson, and for the more extreme take on the news – Redacted (but they go a bit far). For Right news – but center Right, Megyn Kelly, and Kim Iversen are good – for MAGA is Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon ‘War Room’

Like Libs of Tic-Yoc, the independent media is about to break the fas* ist Main Stream Media. (fas* ist = collusion of Government and industry)

Samuel Ross
Samuel Ross
7 months ago

I like Scott Adams and Styxhexenhammer.

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago

This explains a lot!

William Brand
William Brand
7 months ago

Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. This is a good reason for why God sent the aids epidemic.

Jim Veenbaas
Jim Veenbaas
7 months ago
Reply to  William Brand

What an awful, gross, creepy comment.

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

Pretty standard conservative talking point, Jimster. These are your people!

Katja Sipple
Katja Sipple
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

WB is a hate-filled person. I remember his profile photo from before, and he would do well to remember what the Bible says about gluttony!

AnnaMaria Minogue
AnnaMaria Minogue
7 months ago
Reply to  William Brand

FFS

Mike Downing
Mike Downing
7 months ago
Reply to  William Brand

What a silly sausage God must be; the vast majority of those who have died from AIDS to date have been heterosexual.

Jim Veenbaas
Jim Veenbaas
7 months ago
Reply to  Mike Downing

Beliefs rooted in the Bible or the World Professional Association for Transgender Health are different sides of the same coin. It’s all based on faith – not reasoned, researched, logical arguments. I believe in God and understand the social value of religion, but using the Bible to justify bigoted attitudes is one of the many reasons people in the west have turned their back on religion.

Arthur King
Arthur King
7 months ago
Reply to  Jim Veenbaas

Hold on. Religion from a sociological viewpoint can be seen as collective wisdom acquired through thousands of years of observation. This is why one often sees common moral patterns. Discernment of this collective wisdom is needed, however it is arrogant to quickly dismiss ancient people outright.

Jim Veenbaas
Jim Veenbaas
7 months ago
Reply to  Arthur King

Not sure what you mean. I understand the social value of religion.

Catherine Conroy
Catherine Conroy
7 months ago
Reply to  Mike Downing

And the lowest risk group were lesbians

Richard Craven
Richard Craven
7 months ago

Excellent point.

Francisco Menezes
Francisco Menezes
7 months ago

Because lesbianism is a French invention?

Richard Craven
Richard Craven
7 months ago

No. It’s because lesbians aren’t into sexual activity of the type that typically causes transmission of HIV.

Arthur King
Arthur King
7 months ago
Reply to  Mike Downing

You are correct but it’s initial global spread was through promiscuous gay men. Without this initial expansion it may not have spread as rapidly or widely. See https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/history/hiv-and-aids-timeline

Samuel Ross
Samuel Ross
7 months ago
Reply to  William Brand

God has commanded what is true; His thoughts are beyond man’s understanding. No need to go into His thinking and ascribe specific ‘punishments’. It is enough that He has commanded.

Ian_S
Ian_S
7 months ago
Reply to  William Brand

That Leviticus verse sounds like just like Hamas. What a pity the Bible includes stuff like this, because it reduces its legitimacy as a tract relevant to large scale urban societies where “live and let live” is paramount.

Jules Anjim
Jules Anjim
7 months ago
Reply to  William Brand

Well, we still hadn’t got the message after He sent us influenza and cholera and Bubonic plague and chickenpox and gonorrhea and rota-virus and leukemia and all the others. We’ll work it eventually; that’s just the price He pays for being so enigmatic.

Julian Farrows
Julian Farrows
7 months ago
Reply to  Jules Anjim

With all due respect when you catch gonorrhea it is a genuine wake-up call.

Champagne Socialist
Champagne Socialist
7 months ago
Reply to  William Brand

Preach, William, preach!
This is what conservatives believe – the world should never forget it…

Richard Craven
Richard Craven
7 months ago

Preach, Poo Fash, preach!
This is what woke Nazis believe – the world should never forget it…

UnHerd Reader
UnHerd Reader
7 months ago

Please explain why protecting children from sexually explicit age inappropriate books and activities.

Arthur King
Arthur King
7 months ago

I’m autistic so when I encounter something new, I research it. It does take much time digging to find deeper and deeper layers of depravity. You realize there isn’t a bottom to the depravity. LOTT is just posting the surface stuff. It gets a lot worse.

Ian_S
Ian_S
7 months ago

Great. There’s too many teachers using the classroom as an exhibitionist space for their sexual peccadillos, with no repercussions.

Jules Anjim
Jules Anjim
7 months ago

Sanctimonious cow.

Justin S
Justin S
7 months ago

All credit to Chaya Raichik and LOTT. An excellent and seemingly now an essential channel for push back on the pro queer, pro trans, pro peadophile campaigns in the USA ansd in Europe.
She is a very brave and tough woman. The fury of the male dominated LGBGTQ – alphabet soup community is certainly vicious and is in full fury against her.
She should receive state funding and security protection because you can be sure that the ‘rainbow’ community will be in her face to intimidate and silence her.

Justin S
Justin S
7 months ago

All credit to Chaya Raichik and LOTT. An excellent and seemingly now an essential channel for push back on the pro queer, pro trans, pro peadophile campaigns in the USA and in Europe.

She will need state provided security protection soon as the ‘rainbow’ people of the militant LGBGTQ community will aggressively and viciously intimidate her.

William Brand
William Brand
7 months ago

As it was in the days of Noah so shall it be at the time of Christ’s return.