On Tuesday at the Center for American Progress’ 2026 CAP IDEAS Conference, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that Democrats must “beat them electorally” and then “break their spirit” to counter what he called extremism by Trump supporters.

The remarks, made during a panel session on May 19, came as Jeffries prepared for the role of Speaker of the House if Democrats regain control in November.

The comments sparked immediate backlash. Edgar Barrios, a spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Johnson, described the language as an attempt to “BREAK the spirit” of 77 million Americans and noted it reflected how Democrats discuss those who disagree with them.

RNC Chairman Joe Gruters observed that the majority of Americans voted for President Trump in 2024, implying Democrats seek to break these voters.

Senator Mike Lee questioned what the phrase “breaking the spirit” would entail.

Jeffries did not address inquiries about his remarks.

In a prior statement, he said: “We have to beat them electorally, and then we have to break their spirit, because of the extremism that’s being unleashed on the American people, that’s completely and totally unacceptable.”