Rep. Maxine Waters, a Democrat from California, found herself at the center of social media discussions on Friday following remarks by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a fellow Democrat from New York.
Jeffries stirred controversy with his pledge that Democrats would oppose President Donald Trump's policies "in the streets."
As reported by Fox News, Jeffries made these remarks in response to a question about Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams' perceived lack of resistance to Trump, and whether this made him suitable to lead the city. Jeffries stated, "Right now, we're going to keep focus on the need to look out for everyday New Yorkers and everyday Americans who are under assault by an extreme MAGA Republican agenda that is trying to cut taxes for billionaires, donors, and wealthy corporations and then stick New Yorkers and working-class Americans across the country with the bill." He further emphasized, "That's not acceptable. We are going to fight it legislatively. We are going to fight it in the courts. We're going to fight it in the streets."
The phrase "fight it in the streets" quickly drew comparisons to a past incident involving Waters. In 2018, Waters faced criticism for urging her supporters to confront members of the Trump administration in public spaces, amid backlash over the administration's "zero-tolerance" immigration policy. At a Los Angeles protest, Waters had declared, "Lets make sure we show up whenever we have to show up. And if you see anybody from that cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd and you push back on them and you tell them theyre not welcomed anymore, anywhere."
Social media users were quick to draw parallels between Jeffries' and Waters' rhetoric. One user commented, "Hakeem Jeffries is pulling a Maxine Waters. He's going to get people hurt and/or arrested saying words like this! He's calling for people to fight in the streets.'" Another user expressed concern, stating, "This needs to STOP! Democrats are trying to entice violence. There needs to be accountability! They did the same thing during Trumps last presidency. Maxine Waters! Get them while there at restaurants! No more!"
The backlash prompted a senior White House official to demand an apology from Jeffries, labeling his comments as a "disgraceful call to violence." However, Jeffries' spokesperson, Christie Stephenson, dismissed the accusations, telling Fox News Digital, "The notion that Leader Jeffries supports violence is laughable. Republicans are the party that pardons violent felons who assault police officers. Democrats are the party of John Lewis and the right to petition the government peacefully."
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between Democrats and Republicans, as both parties navigate the political landscape shaped by Trump's influence. While Jeffries' comments have sparked debate, they also highlight the broader struggle over how best to address the policies and rhetoric associated with the former president's administration.
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