Jeffries Critiques Leavitt’s Comments After Shooting Incident

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt for her remarks about violent rhetoric from Democrats. This came in the aftermath of a shooting that took place near the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

During a press conference on Monday, Jeffries labeled Leavitt a “ruthless liar” and accused Democrats of simply repeating “talking points” aimed at undermining their statements. He challenged Leavitt’s consistency, noting the hostility she faced but questioning whether she should tone down her own comments about “maximum war,” particularly concerning issues like redistricting.

“I think what’s particularly striking is that the White House press secretary, who, quite frankly, is a disgrace and an awful liar, bravely stood there to go through these talking points, all while criticizing Democrats for comments taken out of context,” Jeffries stated. He pointed out that Leavitt avoided addressing remarks made by “MAGA extremists.”

Jeffries’ remarks followed Leavitt’s call for a reduction in aggressive rhetoric after a gunman opened fire at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night. The incident required the evacuation of President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other officials from the venue during the Correspondents’ Dinner.

Leavitt mentioned that, as President Trump stated during the same night, the nation needs to “tone down our rhetoric and recommit to what unites us.” She expressed concern that the extreme language, especially regarding the president, can trigger instability in individuals who may be mentally ill.

“It’s not just the media; the entire Democratic Party is telling voters that Trump poses an existential threat to democracy, labeling him fascist, and even equating him with Hitler,” Leavitt remarked, highlighting statements from various Democratic figures, including Jeffries, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

She cited specific statements from these politicians, including Jeffries claiming, “We are in the era of the greatest war of all time, everywhere,” and Shapiro mentioning that “the top must play a role in the administration.” Moreover, Senator Alex Padilla’s comment about fear permeating due to the Trump administration was also referenced, along with Warren’s assertion that Trump is turning the nation into a fascist state.