House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) tore into President Trump on Friday for posting a racist video of the Obamas, saying in a clip posted to social media: "F*** Donald Trump."
Why it matters: It's a drastic escalation of the rhetoric between the House Democratic leader and the White House amid delicate negotiations on immigration enforcement.
- But it's not the first time things have gotten personal between Trump and Jeffries, who clashed last autumn over AI-generated videos Trump posted of Jeffries wearing a sombrero.
- This time, however, Trump's account posted a now-deleted video on Truth Social depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes, drawing harsh criticism from lawmakers in both parties.
What they're saying: "This disgusting video, posted by the so-called president, was done intentionally," Jeffries said in the clip, contradicting the White House's claim that it was an erroneous post by a staffer.
- "F*** Donald Trump and his vile, racist and malignant behavior. This guy is an unhinged bottom-feeder," the Democratic leader continued.
- The Obamas, he continued, represent "the best of this country."
Zoom out: Jeffries called for Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other Republicans to "denounce this serial fraudster who's sitting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue pretending to be the president."
- Spokespeople for Thune, Johnson and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
