‘Demented, Ignorant, a Stone-cold Liar’: Hakeem Jeffries’ Attack On Karoline Leavitt Ignites Political Firestorm

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., sharply criticized White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday, calling her “sick” and “demented” during a press conference amid the ongoing government shutdown. Jeffries made the remarks while responding to questions about a swastika flag reportedly found in a House GOP lawmaker’s office this week.

“You’ve got Karoline Leavitt, who’s sick. She’s out of control. And I’m not sure whether she’s just demented, ignorant, a stone-cold liar, or all of the above,” Jeffries said, according to Fox News. He added that claims from the Trump administration that Democrats consist of terrorists, violent criminals, and undocumented immigrants were inaccurate and misleading.

The remarks came on day 17 of the government shutdown, which shows no immediate signs of ending. Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have repeatedly blocked the GOP’s federal funding measures, rejecting proposals they say do not address healthcare concerns, including the expiration of certain COVID-era Obamacare subsidies.

Things Are Getting Really Ugly In Washington Right Now

The controversy centers on a small American flag with a swastika symbol embedded in it, reportedly found in the office of Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio. Taylor has maintained that neither he nor his staff were involved in the display of the symbol. He attributed the incident to an “unidentified group” targeting multiple Republican offices with altered flags. Taylor’s statement to Fox News emphasized that the flag was removed immediately after discovery and that internal investigations confirmed no staff participation.

Jeffries’ focus on Leavitt has drawn attention because it singled out the White House press secretary in the context of broader partisan conflict, rather than the lawmaker whose office contained the flag. Analysts note that his comments highlight the intensifying political rhetoric as Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over federal funding, healthcare provisions, and the handling of pandemic-era subsidies.

The government shutdown began earlier in October and has persisted due to the inability of congressional negotiators to agree on a continuing resolution. Senate Democrats blocked the GOP-proposed funding extension for the fourth time before leaving Washington for the weekend, prolonging the standoff.

Republicans had proposed a seven-week extension of fiscal year 2025 funding levels, aiming to provide more time to reach a long-term budget agreement for 2026. As the impasse drags on, several CDC divisions have already begun laying off staff, with leadership roles left unfilled.

Democrats, however, have been vocal about their insistence on healthcare concessions, including extending certain Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. The standoff has prompted concern from federal employees, advocacy groups, and state officials who emphasize the potential economic and administrative impact if the shutdown continues.