Jeffries rules out making Trump impeachment a priority, says Democrats will focus on affordability

WASHINGTON, DC: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on Wednesday, November 4, that Democrats would not make political retaliation against President Donald Trump a priority after securing control of the House in the midterm elections. Instead, he argued that voters want action on the rising cost of living.

Speaking on MS NOW's 'Morning Joe,' Jeffries said the party would focus on affordability as it prepares to take charge of the chamber.

The Democratic leader also formally announced his candidacy for Speaker of the House in the next Congress.

Jeffries rejects Trump retaliation, prioritises affordability

During the interview, Jeffries said, “The American people don't want us to get even; they want us to get things done on their behalf because life is way too expensive."

He added that “we ran on affordability. We won on affordability, and now it's our job to govern on affordability."

The Democrat made the remarks after being questioned about whether Democrats would pursue impeachment proceedings against Trump following their midterm victories.

Before the election, Jeffries had also said that removing the president would not be the party's main objective, maintaining that reducing living costs would take precedence.

In a letter to fellow House Democrats on Wednesday, Jeffries also outlined his priorities for the next two years, saying the party would seek bipartisan cooperation on affordability wherever possible.

He criticised the administration's economic policies, including tariffs and the war in Iran, arguing that they had contributed to the financial pressures facing Americans.

"Donald Trump and House Republicans promised to lower costs on Day One. They failed. Instead, toxic GOP policies like the Trump tariffs and war in Iran have done the exact opposite," he wrote.

Jeffries also pledged that a Democratic-controlled House would hold the Trump administration accountable and serve as a check on the executive branch.

His proposed agenda includes reversing Republican Medicaid cuts, extending enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits that expired at the beginning of the year, and working to end the war in Iran.

Hakeem Jeffries launches bid for House Speaker

Jeffries confirmed his candidacy for Speaker during a press conference earlier in the day, alongside House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass, and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif Clark and Aguilar also indicated that they would seek the party's second- and third-ranking leadership positions in the chamber, respectively.

In his letter to lawmakers, Jeffries wrote, "I write to humbly request your support in connection with my candidacy to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives."

Democrats made significant gains in Tuesday's, November 3, midterm elections, winning control of both the House and Senate for the remainder of Trump's term.

Democrats were projected to win 237 House seats against 139 for Republicans, with 59 races still too close to call as of Wednesday.

Jeffries also called for the party to restore what he described as traditional American values, including equal protection under the law, voting rights and the country's heritage as a nation of immigrants.

"Finally, we must restore classic American values like liberty and justice for all, equal protection under the law, the unfettered right to vote in a representative democracy and our heritage as a nation of immigrants," Jeffries wrote.