Hakeem Jeffries targets Iran war costs after Democrats win midterms

The price of gas, diesel, and fertilizer has skyrocketed due to the conflict in Iran, a spike that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries cited as the primary driver of rising grocery and everyday good costs. Jeffries, who is expected to become the next Speaker of the House and its first Black occupant of the role, told NPR on Friday that his party views the conflict as a war of choice that has directly impacted American household budgets.

Jeffries stated that Democrats should not wait for the new Congress to assemble before acting. He indicated that with majorities in both chambers, the party intends to pass a war powers resolution. This measure would force President Trump to either sign the bill or veto it. Overriding such a veto requires two-thirds majorities in both houses, a threshold Democrats currently lack.

The incoming Speaker also addressed the status of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has threatened to impeach via eight articles if he does not resign. Jeffries called Hegseth the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history and said the official has got to go. However, he declined to commit fully to impeachment proceedings, noting that the decision rests with the House Democratic Caucus.

Jeffries said the party will hold Trump administration officials accountable for alleged wrongdoing and corruption. He noted that the House Judiciary and Oversight committees will lead investigations into the administration's actions. The incoming Oversight Committee Chair, Rep. Robert Garcia, has already outlined a plan to investigate the Trump family for possible crimes.

Voters in several districts expressed dissatisfaction with the party's previous leadership and demanded new faces in the next Congress. Jeffries said the choice of the next speaker and leadership structure is up to the House Democratic Caucus. He defended the party's record by stating they battled Trump on every issue and decisively defeated him in the recent midterm elections.

The midterm victories gave Democrats control of both chambers for the first time in two years. Jeffries said the American people have spoken clearly on affordability and accountability. He said the new majority will function as a separate and co-equal branch of government, guided by the Constitution and the law.