Jeffries launches new task force to battle Trump
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 7. Photo: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Monday he is launching a new task force to combat the Trump administration's efforts to upend the federal government.
Why it matters: Democratic lawmakers are scrambling to show infuriated grassroots allies that they are doing everything within their limited power to counter the Department of Government Efficiency.
What they're saying: "We are engaged in a multifaceted struggle to protect and defend everyday Americans from the harm being inflicted by this administration," Jeffries wrote in a letter to his Democratic colleagues.
- As part of that effort, the Democratic leader said he is establishing a "Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group" led by Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.).
- The group will be co-chaired by Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the ranking members of the Appropriations, Oversight and Judiciary committees, respectively.
- "It's an all hands on deck effort simultaneously underway in Congress, the Courts and the Community," Jeffries wrote.
Between the lines: Democrats' actual options for waging war against Trump and Elon Musk are restricted due to Republicans holding the majority in both chambers of Congress.
- Still, Democrats' phones are blowing up non-stop with calls from constituents demanding they do more.
- Last week Democrats staged rallies outside of and tried unsuccessfully to enter federal agencies targeted by DOGE, attempted to subpoena Musk and — in one backbench lawmaker's case — announced articles of impeachment against Trump.
- Democrats have also vowed to support lawsuits brought by ousted federal officials, state attorneys general and others aimed at blocking allegedly illegal DOGE actions.
Yes, but: Democrats likely have one big piece of leverage in the federal appropriations process, and Jeffries has signaled plans to withhold Democratic votes until Trump ends his efforts to freeze federal funds.
- Even Democrats' most centrist members have signaled support for that strategy despite the risk of precipitating a dreaded government shutdown.
- Federal funding is set to expire March 14.
