“Stop Calling Me Names!” — Karoline Leavitt Fires Back at Hakeem Jeffries During Fiery Hannity Interview
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared on Fox News’ ‘Hannity’ to respond to sharp criticism from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) , who had called her “out of control” and questioned her credibility amid the ongoing government shutdown. The heated exchange highlighted deepening partisan tensions in Washington as the shutdown drags on and both sides trade accusations over immigration, crime, and foreign policy.
The controversy began when Rep. Jeffries, reacting to Leavitt’s comments about the Democratic Party, delivered a biting rebuke. He accused Leavitt of being “sick, out of control,” and questioned whether she was “demented, ignorant, a stone cold liar, or all of the above.” Jeffries was responding to Leavitt’s assertion that the Democratic Party “caters more to pro-Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens, and violent criminals.”
Leavitt, given a chance to respond on ‘Hannity,’ did not hold back:
“Hakeem Jeffries is lashing out because he knows I’m telling the truth about the modern-day Democratic Party,” she said. “It’s a fact: the Democrat Party caters more to pro-Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens, and violent criminals.”
She proceeded to defend her claims point-by-point:
– Pro-Hamas Terrorists: Leavitt cited House Democrats voting against a resolution condemning the October 7th attack on Israel and supporting pro-Hamas protests on college campuses, which she claimed led to harassment of Jewish students.
– Illegal Aliens: She argued that Democrats have allowed undocumented immigrants to “flood our country” because they view them as future voters.
– Violent Criminals: Leavitt criticized Democratic support for “soft-on-crime” policies like cashless bail, claiming these allow violent offenders back onto the streets.
“The Democrat Party puts Americans last,” Leavitt concluded. “That’s why they overwhelmingly lost the election to President Trump and the Republican Party, and that’s why they’re holding this country hostage right now from law-abiding, taxpaying American citizens who want the government to be open.”
She called on Jeffries to “stop calling me names,” focus on congressional business, and encourage Senate Democrats to pass the continuing resolution to reopen the government.
Leavitt defended House Republicans’ actions, stating they had passed a “clean continuing resolution at the behest of President Trump to keep the government open.” She blamed Senate Democrats and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for blocking the bill, accusing them of fighting Trump rather than serving the American people.
Sean Hannity chimed in, claiming Democrats were demanding $1.5 trillion in new spending for a seven-week extension, including $200 billion for health care for undocumented immigrants and COVID subsidies for higher-income individuals. He argued that these policies were putting “real Americans” last and that under the Trump administration, the focus would be on protecting “taxpaying, law-abiding American citizens.”
Leavitt echoed Hannity’s concerns, stating that when undocumented immigrants receive treatment in the U.S., it is the American taxpayer who foots the bill. She emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to deporting those who violate U.S. laws and safeguarding benefits for American citizens.
The conversation shifted to President Trump’s efforts on the global stage. Hannity listed recent diplomatic initiatives, including peace efforts in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and the release of hostages. Leavitt described Trump’s busy schedule:
– Flying to Israel and Egypt for peace talks
– Honoring Charlie Kirk at the White House
– Three-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try to end the war in Ukraine
– A lengthy meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Leavitt stressed that Trump’s message to both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war was clear: “Enough is enough. Both sides need to recognize the reality on the ground and come to a peace agreement because President Trump’s patience—and the patience of the American people—is growing very thin with this war.”
The fiery exchange between Karoline Leavitt and Hakeem Jeffries reflects the deep divisions in Washington over immigration, crime, government spending, and foreign policy. As the shutdown continues, both sides remain entrenched, blaming each other for the impasse. Leavitt’s defense of her comments and her call for civility underscore the increasingly personal nature of political debate in America today.
“Stop calling me names… Do what you were elected to do—the business of the American people.”
As the shutdown persists, the nation waits for its leaders to move beyond the rhetoric and find a path forward.