# Controversies involving Hakeem Jeffries

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversies-involving-hakeem-jeffries
> Updated: 2026-09-09T19:36:44.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 4.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has faced various political and social controversies. Initially, Republican groups, including the New York Young Republican Club, called for his expulsion from the House following his characterization of the Supreme Court as ‘illegitimate’ in the context of race-based gerrymandering rulings.

Jeffries later became the subject of intense backlash after journalist Rula Jebreal referred to him as an ‘AIPAC monkey’ and an ‘errand boy’ during an appearance on Wajahat Ali’s ‘The Left Hook’ podcast. While discussing Jeffries' ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Jebreal described him as a ‘bought and paid by AIPAC monkey.’

Jebreal attempted to clarify that her remarks were not intended to be racist, suggesting she was referencing the metaphor of the ‘three wise monkeys’ who see, hear, and speak no evil. However, the Congressional Black Caucus rejected this explanation, stating, ‘To be clear, there isn’t a non-racist way to call Leader Jeffries—a Black man—a ‘monkey’ or ‘errand boy.’’ Several Democratic representatives, including Ritchie Torres, Joe Neguse, and Ayanna Pressley, also denounced the language as racist and offensive.

Following the condemnation, Jebreal issued an unconditional apology, describing her choice of words as ‘inappropriate and offensive’ and stating they ‘should never have been used,’ though she maintained her political criticism regarding Jeffries' relationship with AIPAC.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Hakeem Jeffries targeted by journalist in racial controversy

Journalist Rula Jebreal apologized after calling House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries an ‘AIPAC monkey,’ a remark condemned by the Congressional Black Caucus as racially insensitive.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hakeem-jeffries-targeted-by-journalist-in-racial-controversy

### 2026-09-06: Rula Jebreal apologizes for racist remarks toward Hakeem Jeffries

Journalist Rula Jebreal apologized after calling U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries an ‘AIPAC monkey’ on a podcast, sparking widespread condemnation from Democratic lawmakers for racist rhetoric.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rula-jebreal-apologizes-for-racist-remarks-regarding-hakeem-jeffries

### 2026-09-04: Hakeem Jeffries faces backlash after journalist calls him an “AIPAC monkey”

Journalist Rula Jebreal apologized after calling House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries an “AIPAC monkey,” a remark denounced as racist by the Congressional Black Caucus and Democratic lawmakers.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rula-jebreal-faces-backlash-for-remarks-regarding-hakeem-jeffries

### 2026-08-27: Hakeem Jeffries faces expulsion calls and legal setbacks

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries faces calls for expulsion from the New York Young Republican Club and a legal setback in Maryland, where a judge blocked a redistricting amendment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hakeem-jeffries-faces-expulsion-calls-and-legal-setbacks

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Cite as: Controversies involving Hakeem Jeffries. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversies-involving-hakeem-jeffries