House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries used a Sept. 26 CNN interview to emphasize the cost of living ahead of the November midterm elections.
The New York congressman also criticized the Trump administration’s economic policies. According to the website of the Office of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, he discussed Democratic efforts to limit U.S. involvement in the Iran war and addressed the party’s efforts to regain control of the House.
Speaking with CNN’s Manu Raju, Jeffries said Democrats are focused on what he called an “affordable America,” arguing that high costs are affecting millions of Americans. Jeffries criticized Republican economic policies and said Democrats would focus on lowering costs, addressing inflation and expanding access to healthcare.
He also pointed to a recent CNN poll showing Democrats with an eight-point advantage over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot. The poll, conducted Sept. 16th to 17th, found 49% of registered voters saying they would vote for a Democrat in their congressional district, compared with 41% for a Republican.
Jeffries accused Republicans of prioritizing wealthy donors over broader economic concerns. He then criticized the Trump administration’s tariffs and legislation affecting Medicaid and other assistance programs. He challenged the use of taxpayer-funded White House advertisements, saying they were designed to promote President Donald Trump.
The ongoing U.S. war with Iran was another major topic during the interview. Jeffries said House Democrats have supported three War Powers Resolutions aimed at ending U.S. involvement in the conflict.
The war reportedly continues to shape the political debate over foreign policy, military spending and rising energy costs. Recent Reuters/Ipsos polling found that 34% of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, while 55% disapproved.
