Socialist jeweler who called US a 'sh--hole' teams up with top Dem Senate hopefuls

Democratic Senate candidates Sherrod Brown and James Talarico reportedly headlined a star-studded New York City fundraiser hosted by celebrity jewelry designer Alexis Bittar, whose recent public comments describe the United States as a "sh–-hole" and characterized the American flag as "a symbol of aggression."

The fundraiser, held Monday evening in Manhattan, featured contribution levels ranging from $500 to $27,000 and also listed actor Robert De Niro among the high-powered hosts, according to an invitation cited by the Washington Free Beacon.

Bittar's recent record includes a July interview during which he discussed his concerns about the country's future, while promoting a documentary centered on "reclaim[ing]" the American flag. 

During the interview, Bittar questioned what Americans were doing to create "the country we want to live in" before adding: "I have three kids, and they're little, and they're growing up in this sh--hole. So if we don't do something now, we're fu--ed."

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The Free Beacon highlighted separate remarks Bittar made about the American flag while discussing the documentary, saying in an interview with Forbes in July 2025 that the American flag had become "a symbol of aggression" during President Donald Trump's political rise. 

"Thinking about the new administration and what actions I can take to combat their policies. It seemed folks were in shock and experiencing malaise. But I homed in how the flag was co-opted by the right and how did the left let that happen?" he said in the interview. "Its become such a symbol of aggression, the American flag, like we're coming for you during Trumps era."

Bittar has been active in progressive Democratic politics. Gothamist previously reported that he was among the donors who gave the maximum amount to support New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's transition and served on the mayor's Arts & Culture transition committee. He has also been unafraid of the "socialist" label, the Free Beacon reported. 

"Hey people … its voting time!!! Bringing in all the Democrat Socialists!! Lets change America…!" he said while urging people to go out and vote for various candidates in New York several weeks ago on Instagram.

Bittar also recently hosted a fundraiser for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, while in an August Instagram video with the US Senate candidate from Michigan. Bittar declared that "the traditional Democrats have one foot in the grave" and that "the revolution has begun."

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Bittar's jewelry has been worn by celebrities including Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Rihanna, and he has built a high-profile fashion brand while also becoming increasingly active in