The DNC fundraiser targets criticism of Hegseth's comments as "vindictive."

Democratic National Committee (DNC) member Lindy Li is facing criticism from her own party after supporting President-elect Donald Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth. Her stance has sparked a level of intraparty conflict that has left her feeling overwhelmed, with some calling for her to leave the Democratic Party.

Li, a Democrat strategist, served as both a surrogate for Vice President Harris and a member of the DNC's national fundraising committee, which requires raising "millions of dollars" on behalf of Democrat candidates. Additionally, she appeared nearly every day on the air to stump for Harris' 2024 presidential campaign.

Li's experience highlights the party's ongoing practice of shifting blame internally and placing the focus on finger-pointing, despite its recent election losses.

Over the weekend, she appeared on NewsNation's "Morning in America" show and offered "restrained support" for Hegseth. She and Hegseth both graduated from Princeton University and appeared on "Fox & Friends" together this fall.

On Sunday, when asked about his nomination, Li said, "I believe he's quite a decent individual."

"She stated that she has personal interactions with Hegseth, as she has met him through her work on Fox and Friends, and they are both Princeton alumni."

Despite allegations of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct, Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing.

Despite criticism from party leaders and public voices within the party, Li refused to resign or be "fired" as she was not on any DNC payroll. As a Democrat strategist and fundraiser, she had raised millions of dollars for both President Biden and Harris in their respective presidential campaigns, and had appeared on TV countless times. Additionally, her family had donated buildings, including a Philadelphia-area church.

Li questioned her allegiance to the party she raised millions of dollars for during the 2024 election cycle due to criticism.

"I am one of the largest, if not the largest, Asian-American fundraisers on the Democratic side," she stated.

Li stated that the backlash over her comment is a reflection of the Democratic Party's flaw of not allowing dissent or criticism.

The leadership of the Democratic Party has learned the wrong lessons from their losses in the 2024 House, Senate, and presidential races, and instead of having an open dialogue with the public about their mistakes, they have become more resolute on intraparty blame and finger-pointing.

Li portrayed a "vengeful" attempt by certain leadership to undermine her backing and the substantial funds she has amassed for their party.

She also criticized some Democrat leaders' decisions to emphasize identity politics, a tactic endorsed by outgoing Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison.

In February, Harrison, whose leadership role ends, has dismissed critics within the party who urged a different path forward after their losses in 2024.

Last week, he gave a speech to challenge the idea that Democrats should abandon "identity politics," even though some critics argue that focusing on these issues may have contributed to their losses in crucial swing states.

Li said she and others think that’s part of the problem.

Li stated in an interview that he believes it is counterproductive for Harrison to urge us to focus more on identity politics.

"The Democratic Party's 'purity tests' and 'purging' of out-of-step members led to their loss, according to Li," she said.

Li stated that she has a range of options to consider as she contemplates her future role in the Democratic Party and whether she wants to remain with it.

"Li acknowledged that she believes she is too significant to completely exclude herself from the party, and the leadership is aware of her contributions to the DNC."

"I have already been contacted by people on Trump's team to consider switching, so I am not an orphan and there are active recruitment efforts happening."