On the record · Updated October 18, 2026

Hakeem Jeffries quotes

House Minority Leader

63 things Hakeem Jeffries said, verbatim, from March 28, 2026 to October 18, 2026, each linked to where it ran. Grouped by the questions at issue, with who supported, disputed, or qualified each one.

Also appeared as: Rep. Hakeem Jeffries

45stories

63statements

Oct 18latest entry

Democrats should use war funding or the defense bill to force an end to the Iran war.

Offers another course Oct 18

“Right now, the mechanism that is in front of us will be to aggressively move war powers resolutions until we end this war in the best interest of the American people.”

The Intercept Iran's Guards declare Hormuz closed as two loaded supertankers hit mines ›

Others on this question

Adam Smith Rep. (D-Wash.), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee Qualifies

“I am not confident that there is sufficient Republican will or support for such legislative efforts or to override an inevitable veto.”

Brian Finucane Senior adviser, International Crisis Group; former State Department official Supports

“they should be willing to play hardball, and that would require using the power of the purse.”

Hassan El-Tayyab Legislative director for Middle East Policy, Friends Committee on National Legislation Supports

“They shouldn’t pass a massive defense bill while leaving the administration free to pursue yet another open-ended war in the Middle East.”

Warnings that advanced AI poses an extinction-level danger reflect a genuine threat rather than industry self-promotion.

Supports Sep 18

“The AI safety issue is very real,”

PBS NewsHour Rand Paul blocks Kennedy's AI kill switch bill after Hinton's one-year warning ›

Others on this question

Donald Trump President of the United States Disputes

“Give me a real-life practical scenario of how this can happen,”

Russell Moore Christianity Today editor at large Qualifies

Shouldn’t we at least respond with something other than “Let us post, scroll, and be merry, for tomorrow we die”?

Congress should give President Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that buy Russian energy.

Disputes Sep 17

“What this legislation will do is give Donald Trump, perhaps, unfettered authority to unleash tariffs on the American people,”

The Guardian House passes Russia sanctions bill giving Trump power to impose 100% tariffs ›

Others on this question

Michael McCaul Republican Representative, Texas Supports

“Tariffs are a powerful way to amplify the impact of sanctions. That's why they are the teeth of this bill.”

Richard Blumenthal Democratic Senator, Connecticut Supports

“If Donald Trump wants to break this law, he will be restrained by the courts, just as when he broke the law on tariffs previously,”

The Missouri Supreme Court's ruling blocking the new map violates federal law and amounts to a constitutional crisis.

Disputes Sep 4

“resounding victory for the people of the Show-Me State and a clear message to MAGA extremists trying to rig the midterm elections.”

The Guardian Missouri's Supreme Court sends the Trump-backed House map to a statewide vote, and Maryland's court clears a Democratic amendment for the ballot ›

Others on this question

Catherine Hanaway Missouri Attorney General Supports

“This unprecedented decision clearly violates federal law and has thrust our state into a full‑fledged constitutional crisis,”

Jews in America who publicly identify with or support Israel are inviting antisemitic violence against themselves.

Disputes Aug 25

“The malicious claim that American Jews are inviting violence against themselves is dangerous and antisemitic,”

Associated Press El-Sayed says nobody speaks for his campaign but him, after Hasan Piker tells American Jews that someone will eventually take action against them ›

Others on this question

Josh Gottheimer U.S. Representative, D-N.J. Disputes

“The only one inciting violence against American Jews is Piker and his rhetoric,”

Hasan Piker progressive streamer and campaign surrogate Supports

“If Jews in America keep putting this idea out there that they are singularly invested in Israel, eventually someone is going to come around and take action, not against the state of Israel mind you, but against American Jews,”

House Democrats should make Medicare for All legislation a central part of the party's economic agenda.

Disputes Aug 17

“I haven’t co-sponsored the “Medicare for All” legislation that has been introduced over the last several years; I do think we need to figure out how to fix our broken healthcare system and then build something better.”

Washington Examiner Democrats' own pollster finds 58% view socialism positively and 32% capitalism, and Jeffries says he does not support the DSA agenda ›

Others on this question

Ro Khanna U.S. Representative, D-CA Supports

“Medicare for all is arguably the most important priority”

Hakeem Jeffries on The Middle East14

As printed Jul 19

“and other terrorist organizations in the region who are sworn enemies of both the United States and Israel.”

Algemeiner ›

As printed Jul 18

“Israel has an advanced economy and is capable of paying for its own sophisticated weapons, as the Prime Minister recently acknowledged,”

Algemeiner ›

As printed Jul 18

“While Democratic Members will make different decisions on this amendment in good faith, we are absolutely united in our shared goal of permanent peace.”

NBC News ›

As printed Jul 17

“would restrict our country’s ability to confront Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in the region who are sworn enemies of both the United States and Israel.”

on opposing limits on confronting Hamas and Hezbollah

NBC News ›

As printed Jul 16

“the so-called Massie amendment would restrict our country’s ability to confront Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in the region who are sworn enemies of both the United States and Israel.”

on military aid's role in counter-terrorism operations against Hamas and Hezbollah

World Socialist Web Site Democratic House leader Jeffries opposes cutoff of military aid to Israel ›

As printed Jul 16

“As written, it is overly broad in that it prohibits or would limit the use of funds for longstanding initiatives related to humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building and U.S. Embassy operations,”

Latest Political News on Fox News House Democrats fracture badly over Massie amendment to cut $3.3B in U.S. aid to Israel ›

As printed Jul 15

“In my view, there are more decisive ways to achieve the urgent change necessary when it comes to the far-right Netanyahu government,”

on Jeffries opposing the amendment to cut $3.3 billion in Israel aid

Truthout Jeffries Says He’s Voting Against Measure to Cut Aid to Israel by $3.3 Billion ›

As printed Jul 7

“outsized focus on issues connected to the Middle East.”

The Intercept There’s a New Democratic Machine. It’s Unabashedly Socialist. ›

As printed Jun 20

“essentially a surrender to Iran on Iran’s terms”

on the US-Iran deal signed 48 hours earlier now nearing collapse

World Socialist Web Site US-Iran deal on the verge of breakdown 48 hours after being signed ›

As printed Jun 19

“Iran gets sanctions relief... and a $300 billion reconstruction fund.”

on terms of Trump's Iran deal

World Socialist Web Site Democratic condemnation of Trump’s Iran deal exposes bipartisan conspiracy for war ›

As printed Jun 19

“Iran is stronger and America is less safe”

on the effect of Trump's Iran deal

World Socialist Web Site Democratic condemnation of Trump’s Iran deal exposes bipartisan conspiracy for war ›

As printed Jun 16

“That agreement that had been reached by President Obama actually resulted in Great Britain, France, Germany, South Korea, India, Japan, and, thanks to the leadership from President Obama and his administration, China and Russia all engaged with Iran to limit their nuclear aspirations.”

on the Obama-era nuclear deal that engaged Iran with major world powers

TheGrio Why Obama looms over Trump’s reported deal to end the war in Iran ›

As printed Jun 13

“I will not shed a tear for Ali Khamenei.”

World Socialist ›

As printed Jun 13

“Iran is a bad actor and must be aggressively confronted,”

World Socialist ›

All 171 people on the record on the Middle East ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Ukraine & Russia1

As printed Sep 17

“In fact, there are so many loopholes written into the bill, I believe that it's very unlikely that the sanctions relief contemplated in the legislation will ever see the light of day.”

Fox News Democrats begrudgingly hand Trump victory on tariffs in sprawling sanctions bill ›

All 50 people on the record on ukraine & Russia ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Foreign policy & the world1

As printed Jul 17

“overly broad in that it prohibits or would limit the use of funds for longstanding initiatives related to humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building and U.S. Embassy operations.”

CBS News ›

All 86 people on the record on foreign policy & the world ›

Hakeem Jeffries on National security & surveillance2

As printed Jun 15

“Donald Trump needs to withdraw his decision to elevate Bill Pulte,”

on Trump's decision to elevate Bill Pulte as intelligence chief

The Intercept Momentum Builds to Rein In Domestic Spying Law — Whether or Not Bill Pulte Survives as Intel Chief ›

As printed Jun 11

“That’s a starting point, not an ending point. And then we can see if we can responsibly get to a place where there are enough reforms built into the law to provide guardrails and protect the American people.”

The Intercept Momentum Builds to Rein In Domestic Spying Law — Whether or Not Bill Pulte Survives as Intel Chief ›

All 83 people on the record on national security & surveillance ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Trade & tariffs1

As printed Sep 17

“Why in the world would this Congress or the People’s House give this president unfettered authority to visit more tariffs on the world that will have an adverse economic impact on the American people? I can’t do it,”

on opposing the Russia sanctions bill's grant of unchecked tariff power to Trump

MSNBC House passes Russia sanctions bill over Democratic objections about Trump’s new authority ›

All 47 people on the record on trade & tariffs ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Economy, jobs & inflation4

As printed Aug 23

“the affordability crisis is not a hoax and nothing short of transformational policy change is acceptable”

on affordability as the core demand Democrats set for working with Trump

CNN Kushner, Jeffries discuss ways White House and Democrats can collaborate ›

As printed Jul 20

“The economy is a disaster under this guy and the American people know it.”

Al Jazeera ›

As printed Jun 29

“We must decisively address the affordability crisis and crush far-right extremism!”

MSNBC Jeffries congratulates NYC democratic socialists on their House primary wins ›

As printed Jun 21

“Inflation just hit a 3-year high, gas prices are out of control and life under Donald Trump is unaffordable,”

on affordability as the defining issue in midterm campaigns

Latest Political News on Fox News Top GOP group pumps $37M into fight on key issue dominating midterm races: 'Much more to come' ›

All 93 people on the record on economy, jobs & inflation ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Government spending & shutdowns2

As printed Jul 23

“Republicans have literally ripped. food from the mouths of hungry children, seniors and veterans to sustain the Trump war machine.”

on House Republicans' $95 billion package funding the Iran war

ABC News House Republicans push $95 billion package for the Iran war and Trump's priorities ›

As printed Mar 28

“House Democrats are prepared to support the bill to end the Trump-Republican shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security,”

on House Democrats agreeing to reopen DHS without ICE funding

The Daily Wire - Breaking News, Videos & Podcasts Trump Kills Senate Bill To Re-Open DHS Without ICE Funding ›

All 37 people on the record on government spending & shutdowns ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Housing & rent1

As printed Jul 11

“would rather make it harder to vote than easier to afford a home”

on Trump refusing to sign a landmark housing bill in protest

BBC News Trump says he will not sign landmark housing bill in protest ›

All 22 people on the record on housing & rent ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Campaigns & elections14

As printed Oct 18

“The White House Press Secretary is gone. Maga extremists continue to fall apart”

on Katie Zacharia leaving the White House press role less than five days in

BBC News Katie Zacharia leaving White House role less than five days into job ›

As printed Aug 23

“To stop the madness, we have repeatedly made clear that an extremist approach will not work and will be met with forceful opposition”

Associated Press Kushner meets with Democratic leader Jeffries with House control at stake ›

As printed Aug 10

“Democrats held the line. Republicans caved. Remember in November.”

TheGrio Hakeem Jeffries tells voters ‘remember in November’ after Todd Blanche confirmation ›

As printed Jul 26

“No one’s going to give it to us. We have to take it in a way that is consistent with the values of the American people.”

Associated Press It's time to run for reelection in a messy Congress ›

As printed Jul 4

“I've worked with sort of the ideologically diverse group of members up until this point and will continue to do so,”

on Hakeem Jeffries addressing divisions within the Democratic Party's ideological coalition

NPR Topics: Politics Hakeem Jeffries addresses Democratic Party divisions, says Trump is the bigger issue ›

As printed Jul 3

“I will support every single Democratic incumbent in the New York Congressional delegation and beyond,”

on backing Democratic incumbents facing primary challenges from democratic socialists

Latest Political News on Fox News The Democratic socialists are no longer on the fringe ›

As printed Jun 30

“has had an extraordinary career in the United States House of Representatives, and she’s forcefully making her case.”

MSNBC AIPAC-linked money floods a Denver primary as DeGette fights for survival ›

As printed Jun 28

“From public servants to union organizers to community activists, the path is different but the work is the same,”

on Jeffries welcoming democratic socialists into the Democratic Party

Latest Political News on Fox News Jeffries welcomes democratic socialists into the fold as critics warn party is revealing 'exactly who it is' ›

As printed Jun 26

“He’s got work to do in terms of the conversations that he’s going to have with members of Congress moving forward,”

Truthout Jeffries Says Mamdani Has “Work to Do” to Placate Establishment Dems in Congress ›

As printed Jun 26

“I'm going to continue to stand behind every single Democratic incumbent, while of course, continuing to focus on what we actually need to do for this country, which is to take back control of the House of Representatives.”

Latest Political News on Fox News Mamdani-backed socialist wins in New York expose growing rift between Democratic establishment, insurgent left ›

As printed Jun 25

“a handful of primaries that go in one direction or the other in a given state or two aren't going to reshape who we are as House Democrats”

The Intercept Establishment Democrats to the Dustbin of History ›

As printed Jun 25

“There are 215 members of the House Democratic caucus, a handful of primaries that go in one direction or the other in a given state or two aren't going to reshape who we are,”

USA Today ›

As printed Jun 25

“We’re not in the business of winning Democratic primaries and state seats that are going to be blue regardless of who wins a primary,”

on Democrats not needing to win primaries in safely blue seats

The Intercept The Left Is Unstoppable, According to Republicans ›

As printed Jun 24

“There are 215 members of the House Democratic caucus. A handful of primaries that go in one direction or the other, in a given state or two, aren't going to reshape who we are as House Democrats.”

on primary losses not changing House Democrats' overall direction

PBS NewsHour - Politics Mamdani slate sweeps Democratic primaries in New York, ousts 2 incumbents from Congress ›

All 150 people on the record on campaigns & elections ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Democracy & voting rights7

As printed Jul 27

“I continue to have confidence in state and local authorities in making sure that there’s going to be a free and fair election in November,”

on confidence in election oversight amid noncitizen voter roll concerns

Washington Examiner Jeffries pivots to Trump and GOP when asked about noncitizens on New Jersey voter rolls ›

As printed Jul 27

“If modest or minor challenges emerge, such as the one that was disclosed voluntarily by the authorities in New Jersey, that it is immediately corrected.”

on New Jersey's disclosure of noncitizens on its voter rolls

Washington Examiner Jeffries pivots to Trump and GOP when asked about noncitizens on New Jersey voter rolls ›

As printed Jul 3

“Let's never forget that we don't work for anyone else ‒ there are no kings in America ‒ we work exclusively for the American people,”

on Congress convening a special session at Independence Hall

USA Today Congress comes back to Philly for special session at Independence Hall ›

As printed Jul 1

“On the eve of America’s 250th birthday, the far-right MAGA conservatives have failed in their quest to remake the United States, and American values have prevailed.”

on America's 250th anniversary amid Trump's push to end birthright citizenship

TheGrio After SCOTUS defeat, Trump calls on Congress to end birthright citizenship. Here’s why that’s unlikely ›

As printed Jun 14

“I think we all recognize the sensitivities of the moment in terms of an unprecedented Jim Crow-like assault on Black political representation that has been unleashed by the Supreme Court's outrageous decision to gut the Voting Rights Act,”

Latest Political News on Fox News From Wasserman Schultz to Goldman, Democratic incumbents are fighting for survival ›

As printed Jun 9

“This is just the beginning of our decisive response to the Jim Crow-like tactics unleashed by the Supreme Court when it gutted voting rights in America,”

on New York Democrats moving to gain more control over state referenda

Politics Democrats seek more control over referenda in New York ›

As printed Jun 9

“We will ensure that there are free and fair elections moving forward. The Empire State will strike back.”

Politics Democrats seek more control over referenda in New York ›

All 97 people on the record on democracy & voting rights ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Corruption & scandal2

As printed Aug 17

“a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump cartel”

Politico Blanche says he's not Trump's personal servant ›

As printed Jul 16

“Todd Blanche is Donald Trump’s personal attorney who: 1. Created the corrupt $1.8 billion slush fund. 2. Weaponized the Department of Justice to persecute Americans. 3. Presided over a massive cover-up. He is deeply unfit to serve as Attorney General. Reject him,”

TheGrio Black leaders say this is why Todd Blanche is not qualified amid AG confirmation hearing ›

All 93 people on the record on corruption & scandal ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Courts & the law3

As printed Aug 15

“The Supreme Court, the conservative right-wing majority on the Supreme Court, has become basically a subsidiary of the MAGA Republican Party,”

on Democrats pushing to reform the Supreme Court

MSNBC With increasing enthusiasm, Democrats are embracing need for Supreme Court reforms ›

As printed Jul 19

“Republican leaders are desperately trying to weaponize an amendment they do not support for nakedly partisan reasons.”

Daily Wire ›

As printed Jul 1

“More than 150 years later, it has withstood the unconstitutional attack launched by Donald Trump and his most sycophantic and xenophobic enablers,”

TheGrio After SCOTUS defeat, Trump calls on Congress to end birthright citizenship. Here’s why that’s unlikely ›

All 146 people on the record on courts & the law ›

Hakeem Jeffries on The presidency & national symbols1

As printed Jul 20

“Donald Trump is a feeble, unhinged conspiracy-peddling 80-year old failed President,”

Al Jazeera ›

All 83 people on the record on the presidency & national symbols ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Gender & LGBTQ2

As printed Jun 12

“America cannot be the best version of herself until every single member of the LGBTQ+ community and every single transgender American is free from bigotry, hatred, and discrimination,”

on House Democrats' pledge to support transgender Americans

Advocate.com Hakeem Jeffries vows that House Democrats will stand with trans Americans ‘always and forever’ ›

As printed Jun 12

“House Democrats will always stand proudly with the LGBTQ+ community. Always and forever.”

on House Democrats' pledge to support the LGBTQ+ community

Advocate.com Hakeem Jeffries vows that House Democrats will stand with trans Americans ‘always and forever’ ›

All 50 people on the record on gender & LGBTQ ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Religion & faith1

As printed Jun 8

“It can’t be a red or blue issue. It’s a red, white, and blue issue.”

The Forward Maine Democrats are poised to nominate Graham Platner, as Jewish Democrats withhold support ›

All 58 people on the record on religion & faith ›

Hakeem Jeffries on Other topics1

As printed Jun 17

“He's leading in terms of battling Donald Trump.”

Fox News ›

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