House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Fires Back at White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
New York House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for calling Democrats “made up of Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals.” Jeffries labeled Leavitt “sick,” “out of control,” and “demented, ignorant, a stone-cold liar, or all of the above.”
Jeffries criticized the federal government shutdown, which furloughed or unpaid hundreds of thousands of workers. He said administration spokesman Leavitt slandered a political party during the government shutdown. Jeffries stated, “A White House spokesperson saying the Democratic Party consists of terrorists, violent criminals and undocumented immigrants makes no sense.
On a major news site, Leavitt said Democrats support radicals and criminals. Her remarks were instantly attacked by Democrats across. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated that the White House uses rhetoric to divide neighbors rather than foster collaboration, calling the remarks obscene. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut termed them “grossly dark,” worried about how Americans would react to political opposition being called terrorism.
Jeffries’ comments led the White House “Rapid Response” account to warn him to “stop talking about yourself” and offer the party a choice: stop supporting “terrorists, illegals and violent criminals.” The conversation shows the executive branch and House Democrats’ increasing rhetorical confrontation.
Observers think the issue goes beyond this encounter. Washington’s political communication is becoming harder, especially during heated moments like the government shutdown. Some analysts believe strong speech at this period causes political division and societal distrust. Jeffries linked Leavitt’s speech to wider extremism, noting Young Republican groups’ racist and antisemitic slurs and other political intolerance.
Jeffries said the public is tired of harsh rhetoric that blames entire populations rather than addressing policy concerns. Leavitt defended her statement and accused Democrats of “coddling violent criminals” and advocating soft-on-crime policies. He said the administration is “on the wrong side of public sentiment.”
Both sides must examine how to responsibly debate politics following the spat. Democrats must respond vigorously without going to war. The administration must satisfy its supporters without alienating centrist voters or stifling civic discourse. As the shutdown persists and public patience wanes, both sides may be held accountable for their statements in coming weeks.
Sources
The Daily Beast
Times of India
Politico
