Trump Says He Could Work With Hakeem Jeffries if Democrats Retake House Majority

 

Trump says he'd 'probably get along' with Hakeem Jeffries if Democrats win back the House

By Mayson Wooden | SCN NEWS

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump struck an unexpectedly conciliatory tone toward House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Thursday, saying he would "probably get along very well" with the New York Democrat if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives and elevate him to speaker after next year's midterm elections.

Trump's comments marked a notable departure from months of sharp rhetoric directed at Jeffries, whom he has frequently criticized in speeches, interviews and on social media. Asked whether he believed he could work with Jeffries if Democrats won the House majority, Trump responded, "Yeah, I think so. I'd probably get along with him very well." He added that the two had met only once but came away with a favorable impression, describing Jeffries as a "nice guy."

The remarks come as Republicans face an increasingly competitive battle to defend their House majority in the 2026 midterm elections. If Democrats flip the chamber, Jeffries—currently the House minority leader—would be expected to become the first Black speaker of the House in U.S. history.

Despite Trump's softer tone toward Jeffries, the president continued to frame the upcoming elections as crucial to protecting his legislative agenda. Republicans are defending a narrow House majority while Democrats are targeting dozens of competitive districts, arguing that divided government is needed to increase congressional oversight of the Trump administration.

Political analysts say Trump's comments may reflect an effort to project confidence about working with either party after the election, even as he intensifies campaigning to keep Republicans in control of Congress. The president has recently acknowledged that retaining the House could prove challenging and has urged Republican candidates to unite behind his agenda.

Jeffries has not publicly responded to Trump's latest remarks. The Democratic leader has consistently argued that voters should hand Democrats the House to provide a check on Trump's second-term policies while advancing the party's priorities on healthcare, voting rights and the economy.

Why It Matters

Trump's remarks underscore how seriously both parties are treating the battle for House control. If Democrats reclaim the chamber, Hakeem Jeffries would likely become speaker, dramatically reshaping Washington's balance of power and forcing the White House to negotiate with Democratic leadership on spending, oversight and key legislation.