Jeffries Doubles Down On ‘Maximum Warfare’ Remark As He Fires At Leavitt 

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries refused to walk back his call for “maximum warfare” against Republicans, brushing off criticism during a tense exchange with reporters after the latest assassination scare involving President Donald Trump.

“I stand by it,” Jeffries told reporters Monday when asked about his earlier remark. “You can continue to criticize me for it. I don’t give a damn about your criticism.”

Jeffries had previously vowed to unleash “maximum warfare” in response to Republican redistricting efforts ahead of the midterm elections, a phrase that quickly drew scrutiny in the aftermath of the weekend’s shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

The Democratic leader dismissed concerns about his wording and cited a report he said showed similar language had been used by members of the Trump administration.

🚨 WTF?! Hakeem Jeffries-Temu Obama JUST BLEW UP on Karoline Leavitt pushing for civility after the left tried KlLLING TRUMP again

“She wants to lecture US about civility? Get lost! Clean up your own house before you have anything to say to us.”

RESIGN, Hakeem! pic.twitter.com/USbGfu4WNG

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 27, 2026

“That phrase ‘maximum warfare everywhere, all the time’ came from the White House in the summer of 2025,” Jeffries remarked. “Why? Because Democrats have decided to finish it. Get lost.”

Jeffries also directed criticism at White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, responding to her comments about political rhetoric.

“This so-called White House press secretary wants to lecture America and lecture us about civility. Get lost,” he ranted. “Clean up your own house before you have anything to say to us about the language that we use.”

He expanded on his position later in the news conference, reiterating that he would not retreat from the language tied to the ongoing political fight.

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“The notion that any of us are concerned with so-called criticism from these phony Republicans… I stand by it,” Jeffries added.

While defending his remarks, Jeffries also insisted he opposes violence in all forms, drawing a distinction between aggressive political messaging and real-world attacks.

At the White House, Leavitt delivered a forceful response, arguing that rhetoric from Democratic leaders has contributed to an increasingly dangerous environment.

“This political violence stems from a systemic demonization of him and his supporters by commentators, yes, by elected members of the Democrat Party and even some in the media,” Leavitt stated.

HOLY CRAP! Karoline Leavitt is calling out Democrats BY NAME who SPARKED the rhetoric leading to Saturday's attempt on President Trump's life

🔵 "Rep Hakeem Jeffrey just THIS MONTH said, 'we are in an era of maximum warfare everywhere all the time.'"

🔵 "Governor Josh Shapiro… pic.twitter.com/hy0vXB3t8K

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 27, 2026

She described the tone of public discourse surrounding Trump as relentless.

“This hateful, constant and violent rhetoric directed at President Trump, day after day after day for 11 years, has helped to legitimize this violence and bring us to this dark moment,” she continued.

Leavitt argued that repeated messaging about Trump has had consequences.

“When you have people in positions of power that are saying things like this every single day for years, you are inspiring violence by people who are already mentally ill,” she said.

She also criticized the Democratic Party, pointing to statements from multiple elected officials.

“Unfortunately, it’s not just the media. It is the entire Democrat Party that has made their pitch to voters across the country that Donald Trump poses an existential threat to democracy,” Leavitt added.

She cited several examples during the briefing, calling out specific Democrat offenders by name and specific quote.

“Rep. Hakeem Jeffries… said, ‘We are in an era of maximum warfare everywhere, all the time.’ Governor Josh Shapiro said, ‘Heads need to roll within the administration.’ Senator Alex Padilla said, ‘People are dying because of fear and terror caused by the Trump administration,’” she rattled off.

“Senator Elizabeth Warren, ‘President Trump is making the country look like a fascist state.’”

Leavitt also referenced the writings of the alleged shooter, arguing that the language mirrored political commentary.

“When you read the Manifesto of the shooter, ask yourselves, how different is the rhetoric from this almost assassin than what you read on social media and hear in various forums every single day,” she said.

“The answer… is that there is no difference at all,” she continued. “Much of the Manifesto… is indistinguishable from the words that we hear daily.”

The clash between Jeffries and Leavitt unfolded as lawmakers from both parties addressed the  issue of political violence.

During an appearance on CNN, Rep. Jason Crow said recent events underscore the need to condemn attacks while continuing political debate.

“Every American should condemn political violence, including this most recent horrible incident,” the Colorado Democrat stated. “We are in an era of increased political violence.”

Asked what he says to Democrats who place the blame for the escalated political environment on President Trump, @RepJasonCrow tells @kasie that he doesn't "think it's ever appropriate whenever there's an act of violence to try to assess blame." pic.twitter.com/5nHUV4gKzo

— The Arena on CNN (@TheArenaCNN) April 27, 2026

Asked whether Democratic rhetoric had contributed to the current environment, Crow acknowledged disagreements within his own party.

“There are instances of rhetoric that I have disagreed with,” he conceded. “But what I do reject is some sense of a false equivalency.”

Crow claimed that criticism of the administration remains part of his role as an elected official.

“I call out this administration… for things they’re doing that literally threaten my constituents, and I’m not going to stop doing that,” he remarked.

At the same time, he drew a line between political arguments and incitement. “We as a country… have to be good enough to know the difference between that debate and that discourse versus calls for violence,” Crow noted.