House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is set to address reporters Thursday morning as the standoff over Department of Homeland Security funding drags on, and just days after a Virginia redistricting referendum handed Democrats a significant political victory.
The New York Democrat, who has been a leading voice in the push to overhaul immigration enforcement, will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. EDT. The partial government shutdown—now in its third month—remains unresolved, with DHS funding at the center of the dispute. The Senate approved a GOP-led budget resolution overnight, but defections from within Republican ranks signaled lingering unease even among the majority.
Jeffries celebrated the Virginia result, where voters approved a redistricting measure that gives Democrats a clear edge in upcoming elections. He warned that Florida, where Republicans are pushing a new congressional map, could see a similar backlash. "If they think this map helps them, they're mistaken," Jeffries said. "It could backfire and cost them seats."
His comments come amid a broader Democratic offensive against President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and FBI Director Kash Patel. Jeffries has called for Hegseth and Patel to be removed from their posts, escalating pressure on the administration. The push to oust Hegseth and Patel is part of a coordinated Democratic strategy to hold the Trump cabinet accountable.
The Virginia vote has reshaped the political landscape, putting Democrats within striking distance of a House majority. The Virginia redistricting win has energized the party, while Republicans scramble to counter the damage. Some GOP strategists are eyeing Florida as a potential firewall, but internal rifts are emerging over Governor Ron DeSantis's aggressive late-cycle map. The DeSantis redistricting gamble has drawn criticism from within his own party, with some warning it could backfire in 2026.
Jeffries also took aim at the Trump administration's handling of the DHS funding crisis, accusing the White House of holding the agency hostage to push hardline immigration policies. "The American people deserve a functioning government, not political games," he said. "We will not accept a DHS that prioritizes cruelty over security."
The press conference is expected to draw sharp questions on the path forward for DHS funding, as well as the broader implications of the Virginia result for national redistricting battles. Democrats see the Virginia win as a template for 2026, while Republicans warn that aggressive gerrymandering could alienate swing voters.
Watch the live video above for Jeffries's full remarks.
