Chicago February 1, 2025
The White House is criticizing House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries after he said Democrats would “fight in the streets” against Republicans’ agenda. Jeffries made the comment during a press conference in Brooklyn, alongside Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y. He was discussing President Trump’s handling of a deadly aircraft collision in Washington, D.C., and freezing federal funding.
White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai told Fox News Digital that Jeffries’ words were “dangerous” and “unhinged,” calling for him to apologize. Desai said President Trump is focused on uniting the country, while Jeffries is encouraging violence.
When asked about New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ lack of response to Trump, Jeffries didn’t directly address Adams. Instead, he said, “We’re going to fight it legislatively, in the courts, and in the streets.”
Jeffries’ spokesperson, Christie Stephenson, responded to the criticism by saying it was “laughable” to think Jeffries was promoting violence. She added that Democrats, like civil rights leader John Lewis, support peaceful protests, while Republicans have pardoned violent people who attack police officers.
