Leader Jeffries on MSNBC: “Donald Trump and Republicans Have Decided to Weaponize Hunger and Starvation”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Ana Cabrera Reports to discuss the ongoing government shutdown and its effect on Americans dependent on SNAP benefits. He criticized Donald Trump and the Republican Party for withholding food assistance essential to tens of millions of people, while emphasizing that Democrats remain committed to safeguarding public health, safety, and economic stability.
Ana Cabrera’s Interview with Hakeem Jeffries
During the interview, Ana Cabrera introduced Congressman Jeffries and invited him to respond to remarks from Republican senators asserting that Democrats were being pressured into compliance.
“This is day 38 of the Trump-Republican shutdown. And our position as Democrats remains clear. We will sit down with any Republicans, anytime, anyplace, in order to reopen the government, to find a bipartisan path forward and to decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis.”
Jeffries argued that Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator John Thune, are taking a rigid stance that obstructs solutions. He stated that Democrats refuse to endorse a partisan spending bill that undermines Americans’ healthcare by rolling back Affordable Care Act tax credits.
“The problem with Johnson and Thune and the Republicans right now is that they continue to adopt a my-way-or-the-highway approach, and our view has been consistent. We will not support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people, particularly as it relates to the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits.”
Ana Cabrera noted that some Republican senators have discussed possible bipartisan strategies with their House colleagues, signaling potential openings for negotiation despite the ongoing partisan divide.
Author’s Summary
Jeffries condemned the Trump-led GOP for using hunger and healthcare as political leverage, reaffirming Democrats’ stance on protecting Americans’ well-being through bipartisan cooperation.