Jeffries Under Fire: Can Democrats Withstand Trump’s Challenge?

**CNN Grills Hakeem Jeffries Over Whether House Democrats Are an Effective Opposition to Trump**

In a recent episode of CNN’s *State of the Union*, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries faced tough questions regarding his party’s ability to hold President Trump and the Republican agenda in check.

### Responding to Criticism

During the program, Jeffries was pressed by host Jake Tapper over comments made by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro—who, notably, was once considered as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris. Shapiro criticized Congressional Democrats for “failing to address the real concerns that people have” and not acting as a sufficient “check” on the power of both Trump and, in Shapiro’s provocative phrasing, his “DOGE chief,” Elon Musk. Jeffries dismissed the criticism, stating,
> “I have no idea what the Governor was talking about, so you're going to have to ask him for clarification.”

### Legal and Policy Actions

Jeffries highlighted that Democrats are actively involved in legal challenges, noting that his party is partnering on at least 79 lawsuits related to approximately 35 executive orders deemed illegal or unconstitutional. He clarified, however, that these lawsuits are primarily being led by state attorneys general rather than by Congress directly.

In addressing broader policy issues, Jeffries reiterated the party’s commitment to defending key social safety nets. He affirmed that Democrats would:
- **Stand against efforts to dismantle Medicaid:** Ensuring continued access to healthcare for millions.
- **Protect Social Security and Medicare:** Shielding these programs from proposals that could destabilize the retirement and healthcare benefits of Americans.
- **Safeguard veterans’ benefits and nutritional assistance programs:** Defending essential supports for vulnerable populations, including children and families.

### The Budget Battle

The debate took on heightened significance as Republicans near the passage of a budget legislation that could pave the way for cuts to Medicaid and food stamp programs—measures intended to support the extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts. With Republicans only three votes ahead of the Democrats, the defection of even two GOP members could doom the bill.

Yet, Jeffries offered little detail on how Democrats might leverage such a narrow margin to force changes in the legislation. “I’m trying to figure out what leverage we actually have,” he remarked at a press conference, noting that, in his view, Republicans have repeatedly emphasized their control over the House, the Senate, and the presidency—summarizing the situation as essentially “their government.”

### Political Negotiations and Controversies

Despite ongoing partisan battles, Democrats have frequently crossed party lines to confirm Trump’s nominees for various agencies. They have also been engaged in negotiations with Republicans to secure government funding for the remainder of the fiscal year—efforts that, however, have not extracted any significant concessions from the GOP.

In a related matter, both Jeffries and other prominent Democrats, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have refrained from calling for the removal of New York Mayor Eric Adams. Adams, despite facing mounting criticism over his cooperation with administration officials on the president’s controversial deportation policies, continues to serve as mayor while the Justice Department reevaluates his corruption-related charges.

### Public Opinion

Amidst the political wrangling, a recent Quinnipiac University poll revealed that only 21 percent of Americans approve of the job congressional Democrats are doing, underscoring the polarized public sentiment about their performance.

In this charged political environment, Hakeem Jeffries’ remarks underscore a clear message: while Democrats are mobilizing legal and legislative tools to counter Republican initiatives, significant challenges remain in effectively curbing the power of a GOP that holds key government positions.