What was meant to be a stylish photo feature of notable New Yorkers has turned into a hotbed of political criticism.
A recent spread in The New Yorker magazine, showcasing the private living rooms of high-profile city dwellers, has ignited backlash—especially aimed at liberal donor Alex Soros.
Alex Soros and Huma Abedin Under the Spotlight
Alex Soros, son of billionaire Democratic donor George Soros, appeared in the feature with his partner Huma Abedin, a longtime aide to Hillary Clinton.
The couple posed inside Soros’ sleek NoHo apartment, complete with panoramic city views.
While it might have been a moment of luxury and personal style for them, many on social media saw it as “tone-deaf,” considering Soros’ recent public focus on fighting oligarchy and authoritarianism.
Familiar Democratic Faces Join the Lineup
The feature wasn’t limited to Soros. Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her progressive views and that viral “Tax the Rich” dress at the 2021 Met Gala, also took part.
She posed with her dog in her East Elmhurst home. Reverend Al Sharpton joined in too, drawing laughs for showcasing a painting of himself in his Upper East Side living room.
Ella Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter and a self-described textile artist, appeared in her colorful Lower East Side apartment.
The eclectic mix of people in the spread didn’t stop there—even Ana Sorokin, the infamous scammer who pretended to be a wealthy heiress, made an appearance, ankle monitor and all.
Conservative Critics Pounce
The online reaction was fast and fierce.
Many critics saw the feature as out of touch, especially considering the political identities of those involved.
Conservative commentator Stephen L. Miller sarcastically remarked, “Sure, let’s have that oligarchy conversation,” reacting to the polished photo of Soros and Abedin.
Others mocked the entire vibe of the shoot—calling it a collection of self-important expressions, over-the-top poses, and an unrelatable glimpse into a world far removed from average Americans.
One commenter even joked that satire site Babylon Bee couldn’t have done it better.
The Backlash Intensifies
Comments flooded in, ranging from humor to frustration.
One user wrote, “These photos have convinced me that there is no uniting the country. Ever.”
Another referenced left-wing leaders saying, “Hey AOC and Bernie Sanders, here’s your oligarchs. Dystopian weirdos!”
The overall message from critics was loud and clear: this group of polished, liberal elites appeared completely disconnected from the everyday struggles of ordinary Americans.
Not Just Liberals: A Mixed Group of New Yorkers
Interestingly, the photo spread wasn’t entirely one-sided.
Vickie Paladino, a Republican and outspoken member of the New York City Council, was also featured—proving that the editorial team didn’t stick strictly to partisan lines.
Other big names like legendary director Martin Scorsese, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and actor/model Chloë Sevigny also took part.
A Throwback Concept with a Modern Twist
Writer Naomi Fry explained that this new feature was inspired by a similar 1995 New Yorker project celebrating the magazine’s centennial.
This time, photographer Gillian Laub was tasked with capturing the essence of today’s cultural influencers—inside their homes.
Alex Soros’ Political Mission
In a separate interview with New York Magazine, Alex Soros described himself as his father’s “loyal parasite.”
Now with a second Trump administration underway, he’s aiming to use his family’s massive fortune to limit the former president’s reach.
Though his strategy remains unclear, Soros hinted at plans to invest heavily in upcoming midterm races in hopes of swinging control back to Democrats.
“We’re not subscribed to a strategy, because I think anybody that has a strategy right now is crazy,” he said. “Now is the time to play defense.”