Thai-born Michigan state Rep. Mai Xiong baited controversy online after posting a satirical TikTok video mocking MAGA culture, conservative media habits, and anti-immigrant rhetoric following criticism over her decision to wear traditional Hmong clothing on the Michigan House floor.
“MAGA was not happy,” Xiong said at the start of the video. “I wore my traditional Hmong garb to work to celebrate my cultural heritage.”
Xiong then launched into a satirical sketch portraying exaggerated stereotypes associated with MAGA supporters.
“So today, I’m gonna wear their garbage,” she said. The video showed Xiong putting on a Team USA shirt while joking, “because I want everyone to know I’m proud to be an American.”
Xiong, a Democrat currently running for reelection to Michigan’s 13th House District, posted the video after appearing at the state Capitol in traditional Hmong attire during Hmong American Day at the Michigan Legislature and on other occasions.
Photos and clips of Xiong’s outfit circulated online, drawing criticism from some conservative commenters, prompting her to respond with a video during her reelection campaign.
Xiong’s MAGA makeup tutorial
Then Xiong added in her post, “I do my MAGA make-up. I’m going for the Kristi Noem-Erica Kirk look, like I just didn’t get fired and I’m mourning the loss of my loved one.” Xiong later stood in front of a mirror and joked about practicing English phrases to appear more “American.” “I love my country, USA. Not Chinese, not Japanese. American.”
The sketch then shifted to a McDonald’s drive-thru, where Xiong joked about President Donald Trump’s eating habits. “What does Trump usually get?” she asked before ordering a “Big Mac with large fries and a Diet Coke.” Xiong then joked about obsessing over lawn care, staring at “immigrant neighbors” from her porch, and calling ICE over a “suspicious black SUV parked down the street.”
Later in the video, she mocked Fox News viewers and online political discourse. “I can’t wait to get my DOGE and tariff refund check so I can get back on track with my bills,” she said before parodying inflammatory social media comments directed at Democrats.
Who is Mai Xiong?
Xiong frequently uses TikTok and other social media platforms to discuss Michigan politics, immigration and her experiences as a Hmong American lawmaker. She became the first Hmong American elected to the Michigan Legislature after winning her House seat in 2024. Born in Thailand’s Ban Vinai refugee camp, Xiong immigrated to the United States as a child after her family fled Laos following the Vietnam War.
Her TikTok spread quickly and drew sharply divided responses. Some viewers accused Xiong of insulting conservatives and mocking patriotism. One commenter wrote, “It’s disappointing to see this hatred for America.” Others praised the video’s humor and absurdity. Another commenter wrote, “Lol! This is too much! 😂😂.”
Published: May 19, 2026 02:44 pm