Influential members of the “MAGA movement” came to the defense of a Democrat because they aren’t blinded by hatred and politics.

A successful campaign launched by the tabloid outlet TMZ urged U.S. citizens to record members of Congress who are enjoying perks and galivanting around the world while refusing to fund the government and pay federal workers, namely TSA employees.

Conservatives and leftists alike seemed to finally be on the same page with TMZ’s initiative until the outlet took things too far by shaming Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who was spotted working the scoreboard at his 12-year-old son’s basketball game.

👀 EXCLUSIVE: Congressman timekeeper seen at son’s basketball game amid the shutdown. https://t.co/UhuwHKBABq pic.twitter.com/96bmzzN2tO

— TMZ (@TMZ) April 1, 2026

As one X user responded to the story, “yeah, this ain’t it, chief. (And I’m not saying that for partisan advantage, Moskowitz is a Democrat.)”

Moskowitz is arguably a Democrat who repeatedly takes America-last positions, but that didn’t stop conservatives and right-wingers from defending his participation in his son’s game.

This is the most normal thing a politician has done in years

— Hommie_👽🦇 (@Niii_Bortey) April 1, 2026

Are you serious here, a father should always be at his son’s game. This isn’t going to shame anyone, haha.

— Sarah Adams (@sarahadams) April 1, 2026

“Congressman seen supporting son in sports instead of trans-ing him” – TMZ’s alternate headline

— Drunk Liberty🍺 (@drunkliberty1) April 1, 2026

There are worse things that a man could be doing while all of his coworkers are avoiding doing their jobs as a collective. I’m not mad at this one. At least this is a service to his local community. I don’t even know or care who it is, he’s being a dad.

— MrsLibertyBelle (@MrsLibertyBell1) April 1, 2026

Only TMZ could screw up such a slam dunk of a pressure campaign

— Justin Maloney (@JMaloneyLiberty) April 1, 2026

TMZ’s nothingburger also caught the eye of conservative pundit Matt Walsh, who called the story “off the mark.”

I like what you guys are doing but this one is off the mark. There’s nothing embarrassing about the guy helping out at his son’s basketball game. It’s actually wholesome. I wish more politicians spent their free time this way. https://t.co/22yywat7Xt

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) April 1, 2026

As Conservative Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett said in response to the story: “More Congressmen should spend time with their kids.”

Amen.

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