House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) unleashed a blistering response to the White House after press secretary Karoline Leavitt called for political rhetoric against President Donald Trump and his supporters to be "toned down" following an attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. "Get lost," Jeffries said. "Clean up your own house before you have anything to say to us about the language that we use."
Context of the Exchange
Jeffries' remarks came on Monday when a reporter referenced language used before and after the WHCD shooting, including Leavitt's statements and Jeffries' own use of the term "maximum warfare" regarding redistricting days before the dinner. The reporter asked Jeffries why he wouldn't moderate his language in light of the incident.
Jeffries responded by criticizing Leavitt, calling her a "disgrace" and a "stone-cold liar" for reading talking points critical of Democrats while ignoring what he described as dangerous rhetoric from MAGA extremists. He highlighted the Jan. 6 insurrection and Trump's pardons of violent rioters, noting that many have re-offended. "One of whom threatened to kill me," Jeffries said, referring to a pardoned rioter who used the language of terrorism against him.
Defending His Own Words
Jeffries defended his earlier "warfare" comment, saying, "As it relates to the comment related to 'maximum warfare, everywhere, all the time,' in connection with the redistricting battle that Republicans launched, I stand by it." He added, "You can continue to criticize me for it. I don't give a damn about the criticism."
Jeffries scoffed at Leavitt for "wanting to lecture America and lecture us about civility," accusing the administration of hypocrisy. The exchange underscores the deepening partisan divide over political language and accountability.
