Democrats Criticize White House Press Secretary Amid Government Shutdown

On Friday, top House Democrats directed a wave of insults toward White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt.

During a news conference marking the 17th day of the ongoing government shutdown, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York condemned Republican officials for their aggressive rhetoric against Democrats. He was particularly vocal about a swastika flag found in a Republican’s office, asserting that he had no involvement in the situation.

“Caroline Leavitt is out of control. Whether she’s just crazy, ignorant, or a complete liar—I’m not sure,” Jeffries stated. “But for the White House spokesperson to suggest the Democratic Party consists of terrorists, violent criminals, and illegal immigrants is utterly ridiculous. This is the messaging Americans are receiving from the Trump administration during this shutdown.”

In response to inquiries about the controversial flag, Jeffries referenced an incident involving Republican Rep. Dave Taylor from Ohio. Local reports had surfaced that a swastika was embedded within an American flag in Taylor’s office. Taylor later stated that various Republican offices had been targeted, attributing the act to an “unidentified group” involved in a coordinated protest.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comments regarding these allegations.

“We have discovered details regarding this abhorrent symbol. It appears multiple Republican offices were affected by individuals distributing American flags that had certain symbols obscured within them,” Taylor explained. He added that once the hidden symbol was uncovered, the flag was promptly removed, ensuring no staff member knowingly displayed such imagery.

It’s uncertain what specifically provoked Jeffries to single out Leavitt in his remarks. As the government shutdown continues, tensions are escalating between the two parties, and there seems to be little hope for a resolution.

Senate Democrats, under the leadership of Chuck Schumer, have repeatedly blocked a Republican funding bill, preventing it from advancing for the fourth time as they headed out of Washington for the weekend. Last month, Republicans proposed a seven-week extension of fiscal year 2025 funding levels, aiming to allow time for Congressional negotiators to establish a long-term budget for fiscal year 2026.

However, House and Senate Democrats voiced strong disapproval of being excluded from these discussions and have stated that they will not agree to any compromise that lacks significant health care provisions. These provisions include extending pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the year’s end.