Days after another apparent assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, a growing coalition of Republicans and rational Americans across the political spectrum has condemned the violent rhetoric that has fueled such extremism.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has doubled down on his inflammatory remarks toward Republicans during a Monday press conference, declaring, “I don’t give a damn.”
Jeffries defended his pledge to launch “maximum warfare” against Republicans in response to their redistricting efforts ahead of November’s midterm elections. When asked about the vow, he stated, “You can continue to criticize me for it. I don’t give a damn about your criticism.”
The comments drew immediate backlash from Republicans following the third apparent assassination attempt on President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
In his remarks, Jeffries also targeted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, whom he described as a “disgrace” and a “stone-cold liar.” Leavitt had criticized Democratic rhetoric that often labels Trump an existential threat.
“This so-called White House press secretary wants to lecture America and lecture us about civility,” Jeffries said. “Get lost. Clean up your own house before you have anything to say to us about the language we use.”
Leavitt condemned Democrats for their past rhetoric in the wake of the shooting that targeted President Trump and other administration officials at the annual gala. She specifically referenced Jeffries’ statement that Republicans would face “maximum warfare” if they proceed with redistricting efforts in Florida.