Hakeem Jeffries mocked for baseball bat photo targeting Trump’s bill
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., found himself at the center of controversy after posting a photo on Instagram holding a baseball bat and vowing to push back against President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
In the now-deleted post, Jeffries declared, “House Democrats will keep the pressure on Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill,” accompanied by a picture of himself brandishing a Louisville Slugger in his office. The post quickly drew criticism from conservatives online, who mocked Jeffries for his choice of prop and message.
“Low energy,” Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., scoffed in a tweet, while author Chad Felix Greene quipped, “I guess, ‘union thug,’ is a vibe choice.” Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., shared a photo of him helping the Republicans win at the congressional baseball game, suggesting they have the upper hand in the political game.
Criticism continued to pour in, with GOP communicator Matt Whitlock calling Jeffries “the worst congressional leader in modern history.” Security Studies Group President Jim Hanson raised concerns about the potential incitement to violence, while White House deputy press secretary Abigail Marone questioned the intent behind Jeffries’ post.
Despite the backlash, Jeffries modified the caption of his photo to emphasize the importance of protecting healthcare as an American value. The debate over Trump’s reconciliation package raged on in Congress, with Jeffries delivering a marathon speech that divided opinions along party lines.
Vice President JD Vance praised Jeffries’ performance, claiming that it swayed undecided Republicans to support the bill. As discussions continued into the following day, it became clear that Republicans were poised to secure enough votes to pass the legislation.
Jeffries’ office did not respond to requests for comment on the controversy surrounding his Instagram post. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense political polarization gripping the nation and the challenges faced by leaders on both sides of the aisle.
In conclusion, the clash over Trump’s bill highlights the deep-seated divisions within Congress and the ongoing struggle to find common ground on key policy issues. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the political landscape will shift in the days and weeks to come.
