House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) faced a wave of criticism from conservatives online after posting a photo of himself holding a baseball bat in an apparent show of resistance to President Donald Trump’s legislative package, the One Big Beautiful Bill, as reported by Fox News.
Jeffries shared the photo on Instagram Wednesday, standing in his office and gripping a Louisville Slugger. He captioned the image: “House Democrats will keep the pressure on Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill.”
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The post quickly drew backlash from Republican lawmakers, conservative commentators, and political operatives, many of whom accused Jeffries of resorting to theatrics while lacking a serious legislative strategy.
“Low energy,” posted Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) on X.
Low energy. https://t.co/lRI3YVJhRs
— Virginia Foxx (@virginiafoxx) July 2, 2025
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“I guess, ‘union thug,’ is a vibe choice,” wrote conservative author Chad Felix Greene.
I guess, ‘union thug,’ is a vibe choice. https://t.co/weNIvNs0C6
— Chad Felix Greene (@chadfelixg) July 2, 2025
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) responded by posting a photo of himself at the congressional baseball game with the caption, “Nah, we beat the Dems at that too.”
Nah, we beat Dems at that too. https://t.co/OoU1uwSU8J pic.twitter.com/56WpSjBgpu
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) July 2, 2025
Some critics suggested the post carried a threatening tone. “Incitement to violence is all they have left,” wrote Jim Hanson, president of the Security Studies Group.
Incitement to violence is all they have left https://t.co/PKc32EW93f
— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) July 2, 2025
“What exactly does he mean by this? Is this a threat?” asked White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Marone.
What exactly does he mean by this? Is this a threat? https://t.co/SRsCfuEVIQ
— Abigail Jackson (@ATJackson47) July 2, 2025
“Beta,” added Rep. Tony Wied (R-Wis.).
Beta. https://t.co/iL8qpd7HrU
— Rep. Tony Wied (@RepTonyWied) July 3, 2025
Others questioned Jeffries’ leadership and public persona. “The gap between how much charisma he has and how much he thinks he has could fill the Grand Canyon,” posted Matt Gorman, president of Targeted Victory.
The gap between how much charisma he has and how much he thinks he has could fill the Grand Canyon https://t.co/piqKreQMTr
— Matt Gorman (@mattsgorman) July 2, 2025
“Sir, please put the Louisville Slugger DOWN,” posted Sean Southard, communications director for Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte.
Sir, please put the Louisville Slugger DOWN https://t.co/QbqYex4HcL
— Sean Southard (@SeanSouthardGOP) July 2, 2025
Jeffries’ office did not immediately respond to media requests for comment. After receiving criticism, the caption on the Instagram post was later changed to: “Protecting your healthcare is as American as baseball, motherhood and apple pie.”
The controversy came as House Republicans continued to push President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill toward final passage. Debate over the legislation continued through the night and into Thursday morning.
The GOP, holding a narrow majority, appeared poised to secure the votes necessary to send the bill forward.
Jeffries delivered a lengthy floor speech during the session, which was applauded by Democrats but drew criticism from Republicans. Vice President J.D. Vance weighed in, suggesting the speech had an unintended effect.
“GOP Congressman just texted me: ‘I was undecided on the bill but then I watched Hakeem Jeffries performance and now I’m a firm yes,’” Vance posted on X.
GOP Congressman just texted me:
“I was undecided on the bill but then I watched Hakeem Jeffries performance and now I’m a firm yes.”
— JD Vance (@JDVance) July 3, 2025
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