Video News Clips: In Their Own Words

‘I’m Not Impressed’: Charlamagne Hammers Hakeem Jeffries After Confrontation With GOP Rep

Screenshot/YouTube/Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM

Radio host Charlamagne tha God criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on “The Breakfast Club” Thursday after his confrontation with Republican New York Rep. Mike Lawler amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Lawler confronted Jeffries on Wednesday over voting to shut down the government, with Jeffries accusing him of attempting to create a viral moment and repeatedly saying President Donald Trump was the Republican’s “boss.” Charlamagne said on the show that Jeffries also appeared to be seeking a viral moment and accused him of answering to “bosses” as well, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

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“I’m listening to him tell this guy that he’s looking for a moment, but Hakeem is being just as performative,” Charlamagne said. “Somebody was recording that for him because he wanted to put on a show as well. And I’m not impressed by Hakeem Jeffries telling somebody they got a ‘boss.'”

“Chuck Schumer is Hakeem Jeffries’ boss. The real estate lobbyists in New York City are Hakeem’s boss,” he added. “The finance lobbyists in New York City are his boss. Ask Hakeem if he will ever get permission from his bosses at AIPAC [American Israel Public Affairs Committee] to endorse the Democratic nominee in New York City for mayor.”

Jeffries’ top contributor in 2023-2024 was AIPAC, which gave over $866,000 to his campaign committee, according to OpenSecrets. The real estate industry also gave his campaign committee over $814,000, while the securities and investment industry contributed over $1.3 million during the same election cycle.

Jeffries repeatedly pointed his finger at Lawler’s chest during the confrontation.

“Are you trying to elevate yourself because you’re afraid you’re going to lose reelection?” Jeffries said at one point. “You’re chasing clout.”

“You’re not going to talk to me and talk over me because you don’t want to hear what I have to say,” he said. “So why don’t you just keep your mouth shut?”

Jeffries has also repeatedly declined to say whether he backs Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani of New York City, another subject about which Lawler confronted Jeffries on Wednesday.

“When are you endorsing him?” Lawler asked Jeffries. “Do you endorse him for mayor?”

Jeffries did not answer. Neither Jeffries nor Schumer have announced support for a candidate yet, despite multiple leading New York Democrats endorsing Mamdani in recent weeks.