Virginia’s new Democratic governor, Abigail Spanberger, has drawn mockery online following a photo she shared of herself grilling, which many social media users found alarming due to what looked like oddly shaped meat on the grill.
Spanberger, a moderate Democrat, has recently faced backlash for implementing policies that some have deemed radical. These include ending collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and reinstating diversity and inclusion initiatives. However, the bulk of the criticism this week stemmed from a cheerful photo she posted on Thursday, standing by a grill with the caption “Order.”
The post was quickly ridiculed, sparking comparisons to a viral image of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D.N.Y.), who was seen holding what appeared to be several hamburger patties—one adorned with cheese.
Commentator Greg Price opposed this trend, sharing Spanberger’s grilling photo alongside those of Schumer, New York Governor Cathy Hochul, and former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, humorously wishing that Democratic politicians continue to take such pictures.
In her grilling photo, Spanberger sported an apron that read, “Beef, this is for dinner.” But the online response was filled with questions about just what type of meat she was cooking.
Independent journalist Briana Morello succinctly asked, “Ma’am, what is that?”
Meanwhile, a satirical account, Three Year Letterman, quipped about missing neighborhood cats and called for Spanberger’s arrest. Researcher Parker Thayer humorously suggested that Spanberger might have cut the meat with a weed whacker.
Jason Bedrick from the Heritage Foundation joked, “What you did to that meat violates the Geneva Conventions.” Conservative commentator David Freeman simply remarked, “No thanks.” Beef supplier Meriwether Farms declared, “Virginia is in trouble.”
In another instance, Chuck Schumer had faced similar grilling criticisms back in 2024 for a Father’s Day post that he eventually deleted. In that post, he shared a cheerful moment about barbecuing with his family. Critics pointed out his cheese placement on a burger patty, implying he was clueless about grilling.
As for Spanberger’s office, it has not yet responded to requests for comment on the online uproar.
