At the Congressional Baseball Game, a Texas Democrat called Republicans “fascists” and said he hoped to “run over” President Trump while sliding into home, comments made during an interview as the charity game unfolded and Republicans led 11-0.
The annual Congressional Baseball Game brought lawmakers back to the field, a tradition dating to 1909 that raises money for charities. This year’s matchup drew attention not just for the score but for comments from Rep. Christian Menefee of Texas during an on-site interview. Menefee made direct remarks about political opponents, using language that escalated a casual sports setting into a political flashpoint. The exchange quickly circulated and became the focal point for reaction across the Hill.
Townhall spoke with Menefee, and his remarks were unequivocal. He said, “A lot of them, yeah. Certainly, the President is. I wish he was [sic] out here playing, hopefully run him over when I’m sliding home,” Menefee told Townhall. Those words landed loudly coming from a sitting member of Congress at a public, charitable event where colleagues from both parties are expected to mingle and compete in good faith.
When asked about playing against what he called fascists, Menefee explained the emotion behind his team’s approach. He said, “There’s a deep-seated anger that makes us want to win, so we gotta go get this dub.” That line tied the competitive spirit on the diamond to a broader political anger, and it underscored how partisan feelings can spill into even the friendliest of rivalries. For many observers, hearing that kind of description from an elected official was worrying rather than entertaining.
Republicans led the game 11-0 as of 8:23 p.m. ET, a concrete detail that punctuated the contest’s momentum on the scoreboard. The game itself remains an important charitable fixture, and the scoreline reminded viewers that the event is still a sporting contest despite the political drama. Players on both sides aim to raise money and draw attention to causes, even as tensions and headlines follow every spoken word from the field. For a number of conservatives, the score underscored that political grit on the field can be matched by political resolve off it.
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From a Republican perspective, remarks equating the other party with fascism and expressing violent imagery toward the former President cross a line. Lawmakers are public servants with a duty to temper rhetoric, not amplify hostility that can inflame supporters. Critics say this sort of talk undermines trust in institutions and escalates an already heated political climate. The expectation is that elected officials model restraint, especially at events meant to unite rather than divide.
Supporters of Menefee might argue he was channeling the frustration many voters feel, especially in a polarized environment where sports and politics intersect. Still, many on the right view his wording as irresponsible coming from someone with a public platform and influence over constituents. That tension—between venting frustration and exercising leadership—shows up repeatedly in modern politics, and this game offered a compact example of how those dynamics play out in public.
The annual match has long served as a rare time when members of Congress step away from the chambers and into a shared, informal space. Since 1909 lawmakers have used this event to fundraise and foster camaraderie across party lines, even as fierce debates rage in committee rooms. This year’s comments threatened to overshadow that tradition, turning a charity game into a news story about tone and conduct. Observers on both sides watched closely to see how colleagues would respond.
Watch the game here:
