Progressive activists repeatedly interrupted House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries at a summit in Denver on Friday, demanding the party install new leadership.
Jeffries was onstage outlining Democrats’ plans for the new Congress when shouts from the crowd derailed the event. Some protesters called for a Green New Deal and an arms embargo on Israel. Another demanded an impeachment of President Donald Trump and shouted, “You are a fucking liar.”
“You don’t fight for the people!” one protester shouted. “Why should we trust you, when you’re in the pocket of corporations and you take money from private equity?
Jeffries smiled and landed one-liners from the stage as the protesters were escorted out by security.
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“Remember, I’m from Brooklyn. This is light work,” Jeffries said twice.
"You're a fucking liar!"
— CSPAN (@cspan) November 13, 2026
Protester interrupts discussion with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries at @MajorityDems #WhatsNext Conference. Jeffries responds, "Remember, I grew up in Brooklyn." pic.twitter.com/GpbfLCNRjG
The two-day What’s Next summit, hosted by Majority Democrats, brought party leaders and newly elected lawmakers together after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in last week’s midterm elections.
On Thursday, protesters a block from the venue called for the party to build on its midterm momentum by electing new congressional leaders.
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced Thursday that he would challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer for majority leader. Jeffries, who would become the first Black House speaker if elected, has yet to draw a public challenger from within his caucus.
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