U.S. President Donald Trump gestures on the day of delivering remarks at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, U.S., May 22, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
(Washington, DC) – President Trump says House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries helped inspire his new nickname for Democrats.
Trump said he came up with the term “Dumocrat” while watching Jeffries and criticizing the direction of the Democratic Party. The president has increasingly targeted Jeffries as one of the national faces of Democratic opposition.
The remark is the latest example of Trump using his trademark nickname strategy against political opponents as the fight for control of Congress heats up.
Jeffries and Democrats have fired back at Trump’s attacks, arguing the president is using insults to distract from policy fights and political pressure.
The exchange shows the 2026 battle is already personal — and Trump is trying to make Jeffries the face of it.
