New York – In a fiery press conference held in Brooklyn on Friday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called for Democrats to oppose President Donald Trump’s agenda “in the streets,” sparking a wave of controversy and criticism from political figures and commentators alike.
During the event, Jeffries addressed the recent actions by the Trump administration to freeze federal grants and loans, a move that was later rescinded amidst legal challenges. He stated, “Right now, we’re going to keep focused on the need to look out for everyday New Yorkers and everyday Americans who are under assault by an extreme MAGA Republican agenda that is trying to cut taxes for billionaire donors and wealthy corporations and then stick New Yorkers and working-class Americans across the country with the bill. That’s not acceptable. We are going to fight it legislatively. We are going to fight it in the courts. We’re going to fight it in the streets.”
The statement has drawn sharp rebuke from the Trump White House, with Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai calling Jeffries’ rhetoric “unhinged” and “dangerous,” demanding an apology for what they describe as incitement to violence. “While President Trump remains focused on uniting our country and delivering the mandate set by the American people, the House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, incites violence calling for people to fight ‘in the streets’ against President Trump’s agenda,” Desai stated.
“While President Trump remains focused on uniting our country and delivering the mandate set by the American people, the House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, incites violence calling for people to fight ‘in the streets’ against President Trump’s agenda,” White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai said in an interview with Fox News.
“This unhinged violent rhetoric is dangerous. Leader Jeffries should immediately apologize.”
On social media, reactions were mixed but predominantly critical, with several users accusing Jeffries of promoting violence. Posts on X highlighted concerns about potential riots and questioned the implications of his words, drawing parallels to past instances of political rhetoric leading to unrest.
However, Jeffries’ office has defended his comments, with Communications Director Christie Stephenson dismissing the accusations of advocating violence as “laughable.” She emphasized the Democratic Party’s commitment to peaceful protest and legislative action, contrasting it with what she described as Republican support for violent felons.