“Donald Trump doesn’t give a damn,” Jeffries says as he blames Trump, GOP and ICE spending priorities
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is sharpening his party’s message on prices and day-to-day costs, arguing that Republicans are ignoring economic pain while leaning into culture-war politics and a tougher immigration posture.
The affordability crisis is out of control.
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) February 9, 2026
Donald Trump doesn’t give a damn.
Republicans are more focused on dividing the country and letting ICE use taxpayer dollars to brutalize American citizens.
In a post Monday on X, Jeffries wrote: “The affordability crisis is out of control. Donald Trump doesn’t give a damn. Republicans are more focused on dividing the country and letting ICE use taxpayer dollars to brutalize American citizens.” The statement tees up a broader Democratic argument they’ve been trying to land for months: even as inflation cools from its recent peaks, many families still feel squeezed by higher prices, expensive housing and elevated borrowing costs.
Economists often point to the overall pace of inflation slowing compared with the worst of 2021–2022. But government data still show prices climbing over time. The Consumer Price Index for “all items” rose 2.7% from December 2024 to December 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Food prices rose 3.1% over that same period, with “food away from home” up 4.1%. Shelter costs also continued to rise in 2025.
Housing affordability remains a political pressure point, too. Freddie Mac’s weekly survey showed the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate around 6.11% in early February, a level that can keep monthly payments high even when home prices cool in some markets.
Jeffries’ reference to ICE comes as Congress and the White House face recurring fights over Department of Homeland Security funding and immigration enforcement. In recent negotiations over DHS spending, Democrats have pushed for limits and accountability measures tied to ICE, while Republicans have argued for stronger enforcement resources. An Associated Press report carried by Federal News Network described Democrats saying a White House offer on ICE-related demands was insufficient amid looming funding deadlines, with disputes touching everything from detention capacity to enforcement practices.
Republicans, for their part, have tried to keep the spotlight on border security and illegal immigration, while arguing that Democratic economic policies — including spending levels and regulation — have contributed to higher costs. The back-and-forth has increasingly centered on which party is focused on “kitchen table” issues versus political messaging.
Jeffries’ post suggests Democrats want to fuse the affordability message with criticism of GOP priorities, particularly on immigration enforcement. The party’s challenge will be turning that argument into concrete proposals that voters believe would lower costs quickly — while Republicans work to frame immigration and public safety as urgent, everyday concerns as well.
