Protests Erupt as Jeffries Critiques Trump’s Agenda at Oakland Lecture

OAKLAND, Calif. — Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned of the dangers posed by President Donald Trump‘s aggressive budget cuts and foreign policies during a lecture at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts on Friday. The event drew a crowd supportive of Jeffries, but outside, protesters criticized him for not doing enough to oppose Trump’s agenda.

Jeffries addressed attendees about the need for Democrats to unite against Trump’s harmful policies, stating, “Donald Trump is not a king, and we will never bend the knee.” He described the Trump administration’s efforts as attempting to “disorient and discourse and dissolution the American people,” emphasizing that the Republican agenda mainly favors the wealthy.

Inside the venue, support for Jeffries was palpable. However, outside, members of the anti-war group Codepink and other activists voiced their dissatisfaction with Jeffries, arguing that he should do more in opposing Trump’s agenda. “We don’t want President Trump letting his friend take over our government,” said protester Ernestine Wilson of Oakland. Demonstrators chanted, “Hakeem come out! Hakeem come out!” expressing their frustration with the Democratic Party’s alleged failure to serve the working class.

Former Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris spoke in defense of Jeffries, stating that the protesters needed to refocus their efforts towards the White House. “Unfortunately, they’re in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Harris said. He emphasized the importance of directing their energy to combat divisive tactics coming from the current administration.

In his lecture, Jeffries pointed to the inability of Congressional Republicans to address everyday issues faced by Americans. “They’ve done nothing to try to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America. No bill, no ideas, no initiatives,” he remarked. A recent Washington Post poll found that only 43% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, highlighting ongoing public discontent with his administration.

Jeffries reinforced the significance of unity among Democrats as the party faces internal and external pressures. His call to action aligns with broader party strategies as they gear up for changes in political leadership ahead of upcoming elections.