Hakeem Jeffries celebrates Democrats’ ‘American tsunami’ after sweeping Congress

Hakeem Jeffries celebrated a sweeping Democratic victory in the U.S. congressional elections, calling the result an “American tsunami” and promising that his party would focus on the cost of living rather than political revenge. “It wasn’t simply a blue wave. It was an American tsunami,” Jeffries told reporters, according to the article. He said Democrats were humbled by the outcome and would “fight hard for every single American, wherever you may reside”. Speaking earlier on Morning Joe, Jeffries described the result as a rejection of President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement. But the House Democratic leader said voters wanted practical action, particularly on the price of groceries, fuel, housing and health care. “The American people don’t want us to get even,” Jeffries said. “They want us to get things done on their behalf.” He added that Democrats had campaigned on affordability and now had a responsibility to govern on it. The article says Jeffries is poised to become the first Black person to lead the House when the new Congress convenes in January. Democrats will control both chambers, though Trump’s veto power could limit what they can accomplish. Jeffries pointed to a bipartisan housing affordability bill that passed both chambers in July as a possible starting point for further efforts to lower living costs. Trump did not sign the bill, but it became law after the constitutional period for action expired. He also blamed Trump’s war in Iran for contributing to higher fuel and fertiliser costs, which he said were feeding through to groceries and other goods. Jeffries called for the conflict to end before the new Congress begins. On allegations of financial impropriety involving Trump, Jeffries said Democrats would follow the facts and the law. “There’s a cost to corruption,” he said, adding that accountability should be guided by the Constitution.