U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) is under fire for lashing out at a Fox News reporter and smacking their phone to the ground.
Video footage of the encounter, which has been shared widely online, shows Moulton knocking down the reporter’s phone or recording device while being asked a question about a political endorsement.
The reporter asked Moulton whether he endorses Graham Platner, the Democratic Party nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine.
In response, Moulton struck or knocked the recording device from the reporter’s hand, causing it to fall. According to accounts of the video, Moulton then said words to the effect of “Do a better job at hanging on to your phone!”
The interaction lasted roughly 23 seconds. Reports indicate that Moulton did not make physical contact with the reporter himself, as the action was directed at the equipment. No injuries or property damage beyond the momentary disruption have been reported.
As of the latest information available, Moulton’s office has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. No formal complaints or charges have been announced.
The question about Graham Platner arises in the context of the Maine Senate race. Platner, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer, won the Democratic primary to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. His campaign has focused on veterans’ issues and positioned him as an anti-establishment candidate.
.@sethmoulton lashes out and knocks down phone when asked whether he endorses Platner
Video obtained by @foxnewspolitics pic.twitter.com/OSgrOzjdY6
— Cameron Cawthorne (@Cam_Cawthorne) June 24, 2026
Platner’s background has also included public discussion of several past matters, including resurfaced online comments on race and sexual assault, a tattoo that he later covered due to its resemblance to certain symbols, reports of explicit text messages sent to women other than his wife, and descriptions from former acquaintances about his behavior.
Moulton, himself a Marine Corps veteran, had previously addressed aspects of Platner’s record. In a May 2026 CNN appearance, Moulton described the tattoo as a mistake that Platner had taken responsibility for and did not view as disqualifying.
He has expressed support for newer generations of veteran candidates entering politics and has backed such candidates through his Serve America PAC in the past. Moulton has not yet issued a formal endorsement of Platner for the Maine race.
Moulton is currently running for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts against incumbent Democratic Senator Ed Markey.
The Maine Senate contest between Platner and Collins continues to draw attention as a competitive race. Moulton’s lack of a public endorsement for Platner to date, despite earlier supportive comments about his potential, has been noted in coverage of the campaign.
