Trump says he could cooperate with Jeffries if Democrats win House
Donald Trump said he could work with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries should Democrats take back the chamber in 2026.
Donald Trump told reporters he believes a working relationship with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is possible if Democrats secure a majority in the 2026 House elections. He referenced a 2025 meeting in the White House, calling Jeffries a "nice guy" and suggesting their public sparring is typical political theater. Trump acknowledged past insults exchanged between them, yet asserted that such animosity would not bar cooperation.
He added that he would likely get along well with Jeffries, having met him only once. The remarks signal a softer tone than Trump's earlier attacks, which labeled Jeffries a "low I.Q. individual" and urged his removal. Polls currently give Democrats a single-digit edge, though redistricting could affect the final seat count needed for a majority.
Why it matters
The statement hints at potential bipartisan dynamics if control of the House shifts in the 2026 elections.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report Trump saying he could work with Jeffries if Democrats win the House, but left-leaning coverage stresses his prior insults and political friction, while right-leaning coverage stresses the softened tone as political theater.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage emphasizes Trump’s shift from earlier insults to a more conciliatory stance, highlighting his past attacks and the broader political context.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage highlights the softer tone as typical political theater, downplaying earlier insults.
The left emphasises
- Trump’s change from calling Jeffries a "Low IQ" individual to calling him a "nice guy"
- Reference to past political friction, including a past attempt on Jeffries’ life
- Criticism of Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the SAVE America Act
The right emphasises
- The remarks signal a softer tone than earlier attacks
- Their public sparring is framed as "typical political theater"
- Polls give Democrats a single-digit edge, with redistricting possibly affecting the majority
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