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- Protesters gathered outside Hakeem Jeffries’ Brooklyn office, demanding stronger opposition to the Trump administration.
- Demonstrators criticized Jeffries for not being forceful enough against Trump and his ally, Elon Musk.
- The protest also called for the removal of New York City Mayor Eric Adams due to his deal with the Trump administration.
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Quick Brief
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Essential Context
On February 20, 2025, a group of protesters, including representatives from Food and Water Watch, New York Communities for Change, Indivisible Brooklyn, and Extinction Rebellion, gathered outside the Brooklyn office of Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. They expressed dissatisfaction with Jeffries’ leadership and his approach to opposing the Trump administration.
Core Players
- Hakeem Jeffries – Democratic Leader in the House of Representatives
- Donald Trump – President Trump and current political figure
- Elon Musk – Billionaire and ally of the Trump administration
- Eric Adams – New York City Mayor
- Food and Water Watch, New York Communities for Change, Indivisible Brooklyn, Extinction Rebellion – Protest organizations
Key Numbers
- 75 – Number of protesters at Jeffries’ office
- 49% – Approval rate of congressional Democrats among Democratic voters (underwater)
- 40% – Disapproval rate of congressional Democrats among Democratic voters
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The Catalyst
The protest was triggered by a perceived lack of aggressive opposition from Jeffries against the Trump administration and its policies. Protesters emphasized the need for a more forceful stance, particularly against the administration’s dealings with Elon Musk and the proposed GOP budget.
Inside Forces
Protesters criticized Jeffries for his leadership style, describing it as “weak” and “legalistic.” They pointed out that Republicans had been more effective in their opposition when they were in the minority. The protesters also highlighted the issue of Mayor Eric Adams’ deal with the Trump administration, which they saw as a betrayal of New Yorkers’ interests.
“Hakeem Jeffries, where’s the firewall? Where’s your plan B? While Musk and his Musketeers are digitally destroying our democracy, you’re making speeches,” said Ken Scheles, an organizer with Food and Water Watch.
Power Dynamics
The power dynamics at play involve the relationship between Jeffries and the Democratic Party, the Trump administration, and various protest groups. Jeffries’ position as Democratic Leader gives him significant influence, but protesters argue that he is not leveraging this power effectively. The Trump administration, with its control over the House, Senate, and presidency, presents a formidable challenge.
Jeffries acknowledged the challenge, stating, “What leverage do we have? Republicans have repeatedly lectured America — they control the House, the Senate and the presidency. It’s their government.”
Outside Impact
The broader implications of this protest include the potential impact on the 2026 midterms. Jeffries has emphasized the importance of positioning Democrats to win back Congress in these elections. However, the current dissatisfaction among Democratic voters, with 49% disapproving of their performance, could hinder these efforts.
The protest also reflects a broader public distrust of government, with protesters seeking more direct and forceful action from their elected officials.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, the pressure on Jeffries and the Democratic leadership is likely to continue. Protesters are demanding daily actions and direct communication from their leaders. The issue of Mayor Adams’ deal with the Trump administration will also remain a focal point, with calls for his removal gaining traction.
“I would like to see people on the steps of Congress every day giving a daily report and talking to people directly,” said one protester.
Data Points
- February 20, 2025: Date of the protest outside Jeffries’ office
- 75: Number of protesters
- 49%: Disapproval rate of congressional Democrats among Democratic voters
- 40%: Approval rate of congressional Democrats among Democratic voters
The ongoing discontent with Democratic leadership, particularly with Hakeem Jeffries, underscores a deeper issue within the party. As protesters continue to push for more aggressive opposition, the party’s strategy and leadership will be under increasing scrutiny leading up to the 2026 midterms.
