A growing firestorm of controversy erupted on Tuesday after Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) called for aggressive action against President Donald Trump’s administration during a protest outside the Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C.
McIver, addressing a crowd of demonstrators, urged protesters to “shut down the city” and declared, “We are at war!” rhetoric that critics argue is dangerous and inflammatory.
Her comments come just days after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) similarly instructed Democratic members to “fight in the streets” against Trump’s policies.
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The remarks have drawn sharp condemnation from Trump administration officials and Republican lawmakers, who say the escalating language from Democratic leaders is inciting unrest and poses a threat to public safety.
The White House and congressional Republicans swiftly rebuked McIver’s comments, calling them a reckless escalation of partisan tensions.
“These are not protests—this is radical incitement,” said Republican Strategist Mark Haney. “Calling for a shutdown of the city and declaring ‘war’ is not how responsible lawmakers should behave.”
Some conservatives pointed to the lack of condemnation from Democratic leadership as evidence that extreme rhetoric is being tolerated within the party.
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“The silence is deafening,” a White House spokesperson remarked in an email statement. “If a Republican had said anything remotely close to this, the outrage would be immediate and relentless.”
House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) mocked the rhectoric, “Democrats are hyperventilating and sensationalizing it. Over the past few days we’ve heard wild claims from Democrats that we are quote, at the beginning of a dictatorship, end quote, and we are in a constitutional crisis. This kind of theatrical rhetoric is exactly what the American people rejected in November. Americans know that Washington needs reform and DOGE is taking inventory to bring about change and steward taxpayer dollars entrusted to the federal government.”
The protest at the Treasury Department was largely aimed at recent financial policies enacted by the administration, as well as broader grievances about Trump’s second-term agenda, namely Elon Musk and DOGE.
Political analysts warn that as tensions rise, inflammatory rhetoric could further polarize the nation, especially as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
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