Tim Burchett turns Capitol Hill hallway chat into a comedy audition
Rep. Tim Burchett joked with TMZ DC about politics, insecurity, Trump, Los Angeles dining and Washington’s workload during a Hill interview.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Rep. Tim Burchett gave TMZ DC a hallway routine on Capitol Hill Thursday morning, riffing on Congress, his own personality and the kind of dinner he wants if he ever makes it to Los Angeles.
The Tennessee Republican was stopped on the Hill for a walk-and-talk interview after TMZ DC described him as the funniest member of Congress. Burchett then leaned into the bit, according to the outlet’s video, tossing out jokes about lawmakers, his own image and the way Washington works.
Burchett told TMZ DC that humor can lower the temperature in political conversations and help people relax. He also said, jokingly, that his outgoing style is mainly a cover for insecurity.
The congressman brought President Donald Trump into the story as well. Burchett recalled that Trump once introduced him in the Oval Office as one of the smartest members of Congress, while also putting him in the funny-guy category, according to TMZ DC.
Burchett also pitched a possible West Coast stop. He told TMZ DC he would like to visit Los Angeles and go to what he called a “foo-foo restaurant” with TMZ founder Harvey Levin, where the two could eat steak and potatoes and avoid politics.
The Tennessee lawmaker kept poking at the job itself, telling TMZ DC that people may run for office because they do not want to work for a living. He also joked that he is still getting used to the “two-hour work weeks” in Washington.
Burchett then turned the roast on himself again, according to TMZ DC, crediting his success to what he described as his looks and physique. He joked that people suspect steroid use, while saying he is naturally that large.
A lighter moment in political media
The exchange was part of TMZ DC’s political coverage, which has featured quick encounters with members of Congress on the Hill. In this one, the focus stayed on Burchett’s comic timing rather than a policy fight.
Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, has been a frequent media presence and used the interview to frame humor as part of how he handles political life. TMZ DC presented the moment as evidence for its playful title for him: Capitol Hill’s funniest lawmaker.
The clip ends with Burchett still in full wisecrack mode, giving the interview the feel of a congressional corridor chat that wandered into stand-up territory.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.