House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused President Trump of racism during a CNN interview on State of the Union, calling him a “racial arsonist” and charging that his administration is attempting to whitewash American history. Jeffries also claimed Republican redistricting efforts in Texas were racially motivated and designed to rig elections.
Jeffries’ comments came after President Trump reviewed Smithsonian exhibits that address slavery and other difficult periods in American history. Jeffries argued that Trump’s actions reflect an effort to downplay the nation’s past. “The Smithsonian should continue to hold the line and make sure that this very painful part of American history is not erased,” he said.
The New York Democrat further criticized Republican redistricting, alleging that Texas maps backed by President Trump amounted to both racial and partisan gerrymandering. He insisted the plan was crafted to secure GOP victories in the 2026 midterms by manipulating district lines to dilute minority voting power.
Jeffries broadened his critique by claiming “everything Trump is doing is racist,” accusing the president of exploiting race to divide the country. His remarks highlight an ongoing Democrat strategy to frame Republican election reforms and cultural policies as racially motivated.
Conservatives counter that census counts and districting rules should prioritize American citizens, not illegal immigrants, and argue that reviewing federally funded museums is within the president’s authority. They also contend that Jeffries’ sweeping accusations lack evidence and rely on rhetoric rather than fact.
