House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was interrupted repeatedly by protesters on Friday while speaking at the “What’s Next” conference in Denver, a post-midterm gathering organized by Majority Democrats.
The event brought together party leaders, strategists, and newly elected lawmakers to discuss the direction of the party after Democrats secured control of both the House and Senate in the November 3 elections. Jeffries was participating in a panel moderated by Jessica Tarlov at the time of the disruption.
He was outlining priorities for the incoming Congress, including efforts to reverse Medicaid cuts and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, when about 10 leftist activists began shouting from the audience. One protester yelled, “You are a f—— liar!” followed by “You’re a f—— traitor! F— you all!” As security moved to remove him, the same individual continued, “You don’t fight for the people!” and “You’ve done nothing.”
Other hecklers focused on specific policy demands. Protesters called out, “When is it time for a Green New Deal?” and “When is it time for Medicare-for-all?” Additional shouts included “We need new leadership” and “I am scared for my future.” One disrupter shouted, “The American people demanded impeachment!” and added, “Your version of accountability is shaking hands with the Trump family!” referring to Jeffries’ reported meeting with Jared Kushner over the summer.
The protesters also demanded an end to U.S. involvement in the conflict involving Iran, government-funded health care for all, and an arms embargo on Israel. Jeffries did not engage the interruptions directly. When the moderator noted his composure amid the swearing, he replied, “Remember, y’all, I grew up in Brooklyn.”
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🚨 HOLY CRAP! Hakeem Jeffries is getting EATEN ALIVE by protestors right in the middle of his remarks
“You are a f*cking LIAR!”
“You’re a f*cking TRAITOR!”
For nearly 2 MINUTES STRAIGHT they were getting hauled out as they went berserk
The clown car is DESTROYING ITSELF 🤣 pic.twitter.com/TXmXNk3lbU
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 13, 2026
The disruption occurred against the backdrop of internal Democratic debates over leadership and priorities following the midterm results. The party’s progressive/far-left wing have pressed for more aggressive action on economic issues, health care, and foreign policy, in addition to “accountability” for the Trump Administration.
The conference highlighted these differences, as Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who announced a challenge to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), later received a standing ovation when he addressed the crowd.
