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With President Donald Trump’s second term on the horizon, furious Democrats are turning on Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), accusing them of failing to mount a serious opposition.
Grassroots liberals, known for their extreme activism, believe their leaders are rolling over instead of fighting back — and they’re not hiding their anger.
The discontent exploded into public view when a trusted former aide to Pelosi went scorched earth on Jeffries during an interview with Politico.
Ashley Etienne, Pelosi’s former Communications Director and a key figure in crafting anti-Trump messaging during his first term, pulled no punches.
“She gave voice to concerns I’ve heard from some Democrats privately: that the New York Democrat hasn’t shown enough backbone as a leader, and that his organizational skills are deficient at a time when strong, creative leadership is badly needed,” Politico‘s Capitol bureau chief Rachael Bade reported.
In the world of Washington politics, no trusted lieutenant like Etienne speaks out without the tacit blessing of their boss. Make no mistake — Pelosi just sent a clear message to Jeffries.
Etienne didn’t hold back her frustration with the current Democrat leadership.
“Trump is just giving us all this incredible red meat,” Etienne told Politico. “I mean, incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s like the biggest gift any party has been given by the opposition and we’re just squandering it.”
Rather than capitalizing on Trump’s political momentum, Etienne accused Jeffries of dithering and paralyzed decision-making.
“He takes too much counsel and then takes too long to make a decision,” she blasted.
Meanwhile, as Democrats flounder, Trump continues to dominate headlines and drive his America First agenda forward.
Following a crushing performance by Trump, the Democrats find themselves leaderless and adrift.
Polls show congressional Democrats trapped with dismal approval ratings in the mid-20% range — a clear sign the base has lost faith.
Pressure is mounting on Jeffries from within his own ranks to step up — fast.
“I am, personally, of the view that America needs to see a lot more of [Jeffries],” said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) to NOTUS, issuing a not-so-subtle demand for Jeffries to finally show some fight.
Etienne also revealed a growing hostility toward Pelosi loyalists on Capitol Hill.
“I was hearing from leadership staff that the leadership on Capitol Hill right now wants to sort of move away from that Pelosi era — that they … don’t want to embrace anyone or anything that’s like Pelosi,” Etienne said. “Which I just think is the dumbest s*** ever.”
Despite stepping down, Pelosi remains a major behind-the-scenes powerbroker. Just last year, she played a key role in forcing Joe Biden to abandon his flailing re-election campaign after a disastrous debate performance.
Her team doesn’t hide their disdain for Jeffries’ approach.
“We actually landed punches. We actually won 40 seats,” Etienne recalled of Pelosi’s team’s success. “I’m just surprised that they’re not calling everybody that has landed some punches on Trump asking for the best advice.”
With their internal divisions now spilling into public view, Democrats are facing a grim reality: they have no clear leader, no unified message, and no strategy to counter President Trump’s commanding second term.
As 2025 unfolds, it’s becoming painfully clear — the Democrat Party is tearing itself apart from within.
