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Petition opposing Hakeem Jeffries as US House Speaker passes one million signatures
More than one million people have signed a petition urging Democrats to reject Hakeem Jeffries as the next Speaker of the US House, bringing scrutiny to his leadership and foreign-policy positions. Jeffries is expected to seek the role after Democrats’ midterm victories, but he has not yet been elected: House Democrats are due to choose their candidate later this month.
The petition, launched by influencer Nicole Whitted, asks lawmakers to assess Jeffries’ record, policies, donors and leadership. Critics focus particularly on his support for Israel; the article reports that pro-Israel lobby AIPAC has contributed $1.5 million to him, while an Economist/YouGov poll found his approval among registered voters at 26 per cent. Protesters in Brooklyn also called for an end to weapons supplies to Israel and further war funding, while Jeffries has described the Iran war as illegal and unconstitutional.
In short
- A petition opposing Jeffries as Speaker has passed one million signatures.
- Democrats have yet to select their candidate for the role.
- Critics cite his Israel policy and campaign contributions.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the petition could argue that a Speaker wields substantial influence over legislation and party priorities, so Democratic lawmakers should weigh Jeffries’ record, donors and public standing before selecting him. They may see his support for Israel and continued weapons supplies as inconsistent with calls to limit US backing for the war, and the petition as a way to press representatives to consider those concerns.
The case against
Those opposing the petition’s aim could argue that Jeffries should be judged by his full record and his ability to lead the House, rather than by a petition or one contested foreign-policy issue. They may regard support for Israel as a legitimate policy position, while noting that Jeffries has called the Iran war illegal and unconstitutional; the choice of Democratic candidate is for elected lawmakers to make.
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