The White House is criticizing House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for his comments encouraging people to “fight in the streets” against President Trump’s agenda. White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai accused Jeffries of using “violent rhetoric” and called on him to apologize.
Jeffries made the comments during a press conference in Brooklyn, where he criticized Trump’s handling of a recent deadly aircraft collision and his administration’s policies on federal funding. He also did not comment directly on New York City Mayor Eric Adams, saying he would have more to say about the mayorship at a later time.
The White House and House Republicans are responding to Jeffries’ comments, with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., calling on him to apologize and House Minority Leader Jeffries to stop trying to divide the country. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, said Americans were behind Trump’s agenda, citing 77 million people who voted for the president and Republican majorities in Congress.
Jeffries’ spokesperson, Christie Stephenson, claims that the leader was referring to “nonviolent protest” in his comments. However, the White House and Republicans continue to criticize his use of language, saying it is inflammatory and dangerous.
The rift between the White House and Democrats has been ongoing, with Trump and his administration at the center of various controversies and criticisms. The White House is continuing to focus on uniting the country and delivering the mandate set by the American people, according to Desai.
