House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries faced immediate backlash after he compared political opponents to traitors during a staged protest on the steps of Congress. Flanked initially by Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and later joined by additional Democratic lawmakers, Jeffries used the occasion to frame Republicans as enemies of the nation.
Jeffries cited a quote attributed to President Ulysses S. Grant at the onset of the Civil War, stating, “There are but two parties in America right now – Patriots and traitors.” Grant, a Republican who led the Union Army against the pro-slavery Democrats of the Confederacy, made the remark as the country fractured over fundamental issues of freedom and union. Jeffries’ decision to use Grant’s words against modern Republicans struck many observers as historically ironic and politically inflammatory.
The protest, which appeared orchestrated rather than spontaneous, included remarks from Rev. William Barber about “principles over party,” further setting the stage for Jeffries’ comment. Critics were quick to note that the same party that once defended slavery was now attempting to cloak itself in the rhetoric of patriotism while branding their opponents as enemies.
????Hakeem Jeffries, at a “sit in” on the steps of the Capitol with Cory Booker in another Resistance™️ stunt —
— says this moment in America reminds him of what US Grant said at start of the Civil War:
“There are but two parties in America right now, patriots and traitors." pic.twitter.com/xWGLDJFFTP
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) April 27, 2025
The timing of Jeffries’ statement drew additional scrutiny. In a political climate already marked by multiple assassination attempts against President Trump, calls for lowering heated rhetoric have grown louder. Yet Jeffries’ remarks echoed older sentiments he expressed just days after Trump’s 2017 inauguration, when he vowed Democrats would “fight in the streets” against the administration’s agenda.
Yes Cory, keep calling at least half of the voters deplorable traitors. That approach has worked out great for your party. https://t.co/BKYs3wY88u
— Doug Powers (@ThePowersThatBe) April 27, 2025
Reaction online was swift and cutting. Many commentators accused Jeffries of projection, suggesting that Democrats, not Republicans, were undermining national interests. “Hakeem Jeffries isn’t wrong,” one critic wrote. “He’s just confused about which of these two parties he and his ilk belong to.” Another observed, “They purposefully led an invasion of our country, undermine our foreign policy overseas, and only prosecute those they disagree with politically for crimes.”
Jeffries’ comments reflect a broader pattern among Democratic leadership of escalating political attacks rather than fostering debate.
