U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) holds a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
(Washington, DC) – House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is drawing attention after accusing Republicans of becoming the true party of “defund the police” during escalating political battles over law enforcement funding and public safety.
Jeffries made the remarks while criticizing Republican budget priorities and arguing that Democrats remain committed to supporting law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The comments sparked immediate pushback from conservatives, many of whom pointed to past progressive movements and Democratic activists who openly supported reducing police funding following the 2020 riots and protests.
