Jeffries calls 'baseless' attempt to indict Dems a political stunt

WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a defiant statement on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after a federal Grand Jury rejected an attempt to indict six members of Congress. Jeffries hailed the decision as a "shameful example of the cancerous rot" within the current administration, accusing the Department of Justice of attempting to punish lawmakers for exercising their First Amendment rights.

The six lawmakers included Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan, alongside Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin. Jeffries hailed the grand jury's decision as a win for the Constitution, declaring that "Justice prevailed" against Republican extremism.

Constitutional rights upheld by citizens

Jeffries praised the "Grand Jury of everyday Americans" for upholding the Constitution by dismissing the charges. He argued that the target of the indictment targeted constitutionally protected free speech, exposing the lack of character among the President's "sycophants".

The Democratic Leader stressed that the lawmakers involved are "patriotic Americans" who are dedicated to defending the country against both foreign and domestic threats. By rejecting the "baseless" charges, the jury effectively blocked what Jeffries called an attempt to criminalize political opposition to the administration’s policies.

Resolving to end ‘National nightmare’

Rather than intimidating the Democratic caucus, Jeffries said that the administration's actions have only "strengthened our resolve". He called the current political climate an "extreme MAGA" nightmare that is inflicting lawlessness upon the nation. 

"Donald Trump, Jeanine Pirro and the corrupt political hacks at the Department of Justice will not silence or intimidate us," Jeffries wrote. He vowed that those responsible for what he termed a "disturbing power grab" would eventually be held accountable.

Weaponization of justice system condemned

House Democrats view the failed indictments as a blatant attempt to weaponize the criminal justice system against political rivals. Jeffries argued that every effort to intimidate elected officials only strengthens his party's unity as they work to end the "nightmare".

He concluded by reaffirming that Democrats will not be deterred by "malignant behavior" from the executive branch. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Jeffries and his party are framing the episode as a pivotal moment for defending the rule of law and preserving independent judicial institutions.