House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) strongly rebuked President Donald Trump’s remarks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring policies in response to the deadly Washington, D.C. plane crash, calling them “irresponsible” and “misdirection” during a Friday press conference.
However, Jeffries’ own comments sparked controversy, as he appeared to urge his supporters to “fight” Trump’s agenda “in the streets,” prompting Republican backlash and accusations of inciting political violence.
Speaking at the press conference, Jeffries rejected Trump’s assertion that DEI-driven hiring in air traffic control could have played a role in the crash, which involved a commercial airliner and a military Black Hawk helicopter, killing 67 people.
READ: Trump Clashes With Press Over DEI And DC Plane Crash Investigation “I Have Common Sense”
“President Trump’s response to this tragedy is not only irresponsible but also a complete misdirection,” Jeffries said. “At a time when we should be focused on the facts and supporting the victims’ families, he is using this moment to push baseless political narratives.”
Trump, in his earlier remarks, blamed DEI hiring policies for potentially compromising aviation safety, vowing to roll back diversity-focused hiring across federal agencies, including the FAA.
While Jeffries criticized Trump’s rhetoric, his own closing remarks in Brooklyn stirred controversy.
“We’re gonna keep focused on the need to look out for everyday New Yorkers and everyday Americans who are under assault by an extreme MAGA Republican agenda,” Jeffries declared.
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“They are trying to cut taxes for billionaire donors and wealthy corporations, then stick New Yorkers and working-class Americans across the country with the bill. That’s not acceptable. We are going to fight it legislatively, we are going to fight it in the courts, we’re gonna fight it in the streets,” said Jeffries.
His statement immediately drew criticism from Republican leaders, who accused him of promoting violence.
“Will Minority Leader Jeffries apologize for this disgusting threat?” asked the White House. “Or will he double down on the same calls for violence that have plagued the country for years?”
READ: Trump Orders Immediate Review Of FAA Hiring, Safety Protocols Following Deadly Plane Collision
The controversy comes at a time of escalating tensions in Washington, as Trump’s administration moves forward with reversing Biden-era policies on issues such as DEI hiring, immigration, and national security.
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