Democrats

Democrats Wonder if Hakeem Jeffries Can Meet the Moment

The party is looking to Jeffries to be the face of the new resistance to Donald Trump. “We’ve all been spoiled by Pelosi, of thinking that that’s the norm,” one House Democrat said.

Hakeem Jeffries

Jeffries has developed a reputation as a careful operator and, at times, a painfully on-message communicator. John McDonnell/AP

By Riley Rogerson and Daniella Diaz

April 14, 2025 05:39 AM

As President Donald Trump steers the country toward Democrats’ worst nightmare for the country — huge tariffs, mass deportations and massive cuts to the federal government — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries faces a daunting task: Being the face of an aggressive opposition.

Some Democrats aren’t sure Jeffries is doing enough to fulfill that role.

In conversations with more than a dozen House Democrats, many told NOTUS they want to see Jeffries lead a more aggressive response to Republicans.