U.S. House Democratic Leader: "Trump's Chief of Staff Appointment Is the Worst Choice"

Takes a Hard Line in ABC Interview

U.S. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s appointment of Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff on November 8 local time, ruling out the possibility of working with him. Jeffries also said he supported articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, signaling that tensions between the Trump Administration and Democrats are likely to escalate following the midterm elections.

Appearing on ABC’s “This Week” on November 8, Jeffries described Miller’s appointment as “a terrible choice and an irresponsible decision.”

“There is clearly no opportunity to work with Stephen Miller and the things he represents,” Jeffries said. “We will strongly oppose the extremism they continue to inflict on the American people.”

Jeffries took particular issue with Miller’s role as a key architect of the Trump Administration’s hard-line immigration and deportation policies. He alleged that Miller had spearheaded mass deportations and been involved in violently suppressing immigrant families and communities.

Jeffries also made clear that, although he had communicated with Miller’s predecessor, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, he would not continue that relationship under Miller.

“That will not happen with the new chief of staff,” Jeffries said. “Miller, along with Secretary Hegseth and others, represents deeply harmful conduct in politics and governance.”

His remarks are seen as a signal that Democrats intend to step up efforts to counter the Trump Administration’s hard-line policies, after retaking majorities in both the House and Senate in the November 3 midterm elections.

Jeffries, who is expected to become the next House speaker in January 2027, said he had not yet heard from President Trump since the midterm elections.

However, he left open the possibility of working with Republican lawmakers, saying, “We’ll see whether our Republican colleagues are willing to listen to the American people.”

He also voiced strong support for articles of impeachment against Secretary Hegseth. “I strongly support impeaching Secretary Hegseth,” Jeffries said, accusing him of “abusing his power, undermining national security, and leading a reckless and costly war with Iran.” He added, “Hegseth needs to go.”

Earlier, Republican Representative Thomas Massie said he would reintroduce articles of impeachment against Secretary Hegseth as early as November 9. Jeffries said lawmakers would discuss the matter on November 10, when they return to Congress, adding, “I believe support for the articles of impeachment will be very strong.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.