Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Talks Trump-Mamdani & Obamacare Cliff
Nov 24, 2025
Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader and U.S. Representative from New York, dives into national political currents. He discusses Mayor-elect Mamdani's significant influence in local politics and his meeting with Trump. Jeffries critiques the Republicans over the Affordable Care Act subsidies and outlines a proposal for a three-year extension. He also emphasizes the importance of transparency in fundraising and shares insights on the need for a two-state solution in the Middle East. His reflections on party dynamics and public safety are eye-opening.
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Why He Endorsed Late And How He Responds
- Hakeem Jeffries described his late endorsement of Mayor-elect Adams as a measured choice made during a turbulent national moment.
- He framed his subsequent relationship as focused on supporting the mayor's transition and shared priorities like affordability and public safety.
ACA Cliff As A Political Self-Inflicted Crisis
- Jeffries framed the ACA subsidy cliff as a self-inflicted Republican crisis caused by prior policy choices.
- He argued Democrats proposed a three-year extension while Republicans delayed and are now scrambling at the 11th hour.
Evaluate Health Proposals On Their Merits
- Jeffries said Democrats will evaluate any Republican proposal on the merits and examine its full impact before deciding.
- He urged assessing effects on small businesses and working families rather than accepting last-minute deals blindly.