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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats will push to end the war in Iran and hold Trump administration officials accountable following their midterm victories. Jeffries, a New York Democrat poised to become the next House Speaker, outlined his party’s legislative agenda in an interview with NPR’s Morning Edition.
Focus on Affordability and the Iran Conflict
Jeffries described the conflict in Iran as a “war of choice” that has driven up gas, diesel, and fertilizer prices, which in turn increased the cost of groceries and everyday goods for Americans. He stated that Democrats “shouldn’t have to wait” for the new Congress to take action.
With majorities in both chambers, Jeffries said Democrats could pass a war powers resolution to try and force President Trump to end the war. Such a measure would present the president with the choice to sign or veto it, though overriding a veto would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers—a threshold Democrats currently fall short of.
Stance on Pete Hegseth and Impeachment
Jeffries stopped short of explicitly supporting impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky threatening to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment unless Hegseth resigns. Jeffries called Hegseth “the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history” and said his caucus would discuss the matter upon returning.
“I don’t want to get out ahead of the caucus,” Jeffries said regarding an impeachment vote, while adding, “He’s got to go.”
Jeffries noted that he first called for Hegseth to be fired in the spring of 2025, citing damage done to military readiness.
Investigations and Accountability Plans
Addressing potential investigations, Jeffries confirmed that the House Judiciary and Oversight committees would investigate alleged wrongdoing and corruption by the Trump administration. He emphasized that the party intends to function as a separate and co-equal branch of government rather than a rubber stamp for the executive branch.
When asked about voters who called for new Democratic leadership and a fresh face for the next House Speaker, Jeffries responded that the decision ultimately rests with the House Democratic Caucus. He defended his record by stating that Democrats had battled Trump on every issue and decisively defeated him at the polls.
