Virginia Governor Spanberger Mocked for Grilling Photo Op

Social media users roast the Democrat for her questionable grilling skills.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, has been widely mocked on social media after posing for a photo op while grilling what appears to be subpar meat products. Critics have panned the image, with many questioning the quality and edibility of the food being prepared.

Why it matters

The photo op is seen as an attempt by the governor to appear relatable to everyday citizens, but her apparent lack of grilling expertise has backfired, with the incident fueling criticism of her political leanings and connection to her constituents.

The details

In the photo, Spanberger is shown standing behind a grill, with what some commenters have described as "gelatinous slop" or "raccoon meat" appearing to be the main items being cooked. Social media users have ruthlessly mocked the governor's grilling skills, with one person suggesting she be renamed "Abigail TrashcanBerger." The incident has drawn comparisons to other out-of-touch political photo ops, such as Chuck Schumer's "block of cheese on a frozen burger" moment.

  • The photo op took place on February 13, 2026.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia who posed for the controversial grilling photo op.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges for politicians, especially those perceived as out-of-touch, to connect with their constituents and appear relatable. It also underscores the importance of authenticity and competence in political messaging, as even seemingly innocuous photo ops can backfire if they fail to resonate with the public.