In a striking televised moment, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., denounced President Donald Trump’s behavior as “unhinged” and “unreasonable” amid the ongoing government shutdown, Fox News reported.
The interview on NBC’s "Meet the Press" highlighted the bitter standoff between the White House and Democrats over funding, health care policy, and personal attacks through social media.
Earlier in the week, Trump targeted Jeffries on Truth Social with a meme video shared on Monday.
The video depicted Jeffries with a mustache and sombrero, set to mariachi music, while Trump also branded Democrats as the party of “hate, evil, and Satan.”
On Sunday, Jeffries responded to these actions during his appearance on "Meet the Press."
Host Kristen Welker showcased a screenshot of the video, asking if Jeffries still saw Trump as a viable negotiating partner.
Jeffries rebuked Trump, stating, “That behavior is outrageous, it’s unhinged, it’s unreasonable, and it speaks for itself.”
He further criticized, “The American people deserve better than lies, than attacks, than deep fake videos and the president spending all of his time on the golf course.”
He underscored the urgent need for genuine leadership to address the crisis affecting countless Americans.
Jeffries affirmed his openness to dialogue, saying, “And we will continue to make clear — Leader Schumer, myself — that we will sit down any time, any place, with anyone to address this issue with the seriousness that it deserves, to stand up for the American people.”
He also accused Republican policies, including Trump’s tariffs, of worsening economic hardships for many citizens.
Welker challenged Jeffries on why not fund the government first and debate Obamacare tax credits later, as they don’t expire until year-end.
Jeffries insisted, “If these affordable tax care credits are allowed to expire, premium and healthcare costs are going to skyrocket.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson retorted, calling Democrats’ health care stance for undocumented immigrants “unhinged and unreasonable,” and added, “The sombreros will continue until the Democrats reopen the government.”
Jeffries maintained that a cooperative approach was essential, urging bipartisan talks to reopen the government and improve living standards amid high costs.
