1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Hakeem Jeffries needs to step down as House Democratic leader. Democrats need leaders who will fight for their voters—not protect corporate interests, enable partisan spectacle, or quietly accommodate Trump-world power brokers. Jeffries’ private meeting with Jared Kushner, despite Kushner’s alleged financial conflicts and the House Judiciary Committee’s scrutiny, raises serious questions about Democratic accountability. Jeffries is also out of step with Democratic voters on major issues: he opposed the Massie amendment to cut U.S. aid to Israel, rejected Medicare for All, and blocked a vote on the policy while protecting insurance and pharmaceutical interests. The party needs new leadership—leaders who will represent Democratic values, challenge corporate power, demand accountability, and give voters a reason to believe change is possible.