US President Donald Trump again launched his racist tirade on Friday evening against Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and conservative podcaster Candace Owens. In his intensifying rhetoric against the “anti-war” camp, he called both his political opponent and former ally “low-IQ” individuals in a social media post on his platform, Truth Social. He referred to Jeffries as “High Tax” Jeffries and shared a doctored graphic of Candace Owens on the front page of Time Magazine with the tag line, “Vile Person of the Year”."Candace Owens’ stock, which was never very high, has fallen a long way. Her attack on the First Lady of France is despicable. I believe, in this case, without verification, she is an extremely Low IQ individual!" wrote Trump in the post. The podcaster has been facing a defamation lawsuit from France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron and President Emanuel Macron for allegations against the First Lady of secretly being a transgender. The doctored picture of the Time Magazine cover also featured taglines accusing her of “using rich white men” and protecting “sex offenders.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everest-serac-blocks-route-khumbu-icefall-climbers-delayed-1777098987098">Frozen threat above as 400+ climbers remain stuck in Everest base camp</a>

Just minutes after this post, Trump changed his target to Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whom he had already targeted as a “low IQ” man. Trump dubbed him "Hakeem 'High Tax' Jeffries," claiming he is "not smart enough" to lead the Democratic Party or the country. He attacked Jeffries for criticising the administration's military actions in Iran, arguing that such "ranting and raving" hurts US negotiations.&nbsp;“Hakeem ‘High Tax’ Jeffries is a low-IQ individual who is not smart enough to be ‘running’ the Democrat Party, and certainly not smart enough to be involved in running the United States of America,” wrote Trump in his post. Trump derided “high tax” and “open border” policies responsible for almost destroying the US.&nbsp;Jeffries hit back at Trump, mocking him if he was going to charge rent “for space I am occupying in your head?” Former Congresswoman and once a Trump loyalist, Marjorie Taylor Greene, called it a “cruel post”, something “Laura Loomer would conjure up” while giving Trump “talking points, policy decisions, and political advice.”

Donald Trump launches fresh attacks on Hakeem Jeffries and Candace Owens, calling them “low IQ” in a series of Truth Social posts

US President Donald Trump again launched his racist tirade on Friday evening against Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and conservative podcaster Candace Owens. In his intensifying rhetoric against the “anti-war” camp, he called both his political opponent and former ally “low-IQ” individuals in a social media post on his platform, Truth Social. He referred to Jeffries as “High Tax” Jeffries and shared a doctored graphic of Candace Owens on the front page of Time Magazine with the tag line, “Vile Person of the Year”. "Candace Owens’ stock, which was never very high, has fallen a long way. Her attack on the First Lady of France is despicable. I believe, in this case, without verification, she is an extremely Low IQ individual!" wrote Trump in the post. The podcaster has been facing a defamation lawsuit from France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron and President Emanuel Macron for allegations against the First Lady of secretly being a transgender. The doctored picture of the Time Magazine cover also featured taglines accusing her of “using rich white men” and protecting “sex offenders.” Also Read: Frozen threat above as 400+ climbers remain stuck in Everest base camp

Donald Trump launches fresh attacks on Hakeem Jeffries and Candace Owens, calling them “low IQ” in a series of Truth Social posts

Trump calls Jeffries and Candace Owens 'Low IQ' in late-night Truth Social rant

Former Speaker of the US House Nancy Pelosi is optimistic that the Democrats will regain control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, predicting a strong comeback under the leadership of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. In a recent interview on ABC’s This Week, Pelosi expressed full confidence that Jeffries, who currently serves as the House Democratic leader, would secure the Speaker’s gavel after the midterms. She described him as a unifying and respected figure capable of leading the party back to power.&nbsp;Pelosi also criticised the current state of the Republican-controlled Congress, claiming that it has largely abandoned its responsibilities, instead yielding power to President Donald Trump. She argued that Republicans have stopped acting as an independent legislative body, instead doing whatever Trump demands. According to Pelosi, this trend will end when Democrats regain control. As Pelosi looks ahead to the 2026 elections, she sees them as a critical moment to restore Congress’s constitutional functions. With Trump’s approval ratings plummeting and his influence over the GOP weakening, the former speaker is confident that Democrats will be in a strong position to take back the majority.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-volodymyr-zelensky-calls-for-referendum-on-peace-plan-demands-60-day-ceasefire-for-talks-1767006675025">Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for referendum on peace plan, demands 60-day ceasefire for talks</a>&nbsp;Recent polls, such as a Gallup survey in November, show Trump’s approval rating at just 36%, with a significant 60% disapproval rate. This downturn in Trump’s popularity, combined with a historical pattern of midterm losses for the party in the White House, makes many Republicans anxious about the upcoming elections. Additionally, several prominent Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Joni Ernst, and Tommy Tuberville, have announced they will not run for re-election in 2026, further fueling speculation about the GOP's future.&nbsp;Pelosi, who will retire after her current term concludes in early 2027, sees reclaiming the House Speaker’s position as one of her final goals. The 85-year-old, who made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker, said that she is focused on returning governance to a place that serves the American people with integrity and hope. Reflecting on her legacy and the future of American politics, Pelosi said, “The American people are fundamentally good, and I want to help guide us back to a place where that is recognised.”

Nancy Pelosi predicts Democrats will win back US House Majority in 2026 midterm elections

Former Speaker of the US House Nancy Pelosi is optimistic that the Democrats will regain control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, predicting a strong comeback under the leadership of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. In a recent interview on ABC’s This Week, Pelosi expressed full confidence that Jeffries, who currently serves as the House Democratic leader, would secure the Speaker’s gavel after the midterms. She described him as a unifying and respected figure capable of leading the party back to power. Pelosi also criticised the current state of the Republican-controlled Congress, claiming that it has largely abandoned its responsibilities, instead yielding power to President Donald Trump. She argued that Republicans have stopped acting as an independent legislative body, instead doing whatever Trump demands. According to Pelosi, this trend will end when Democrats regain control. As Pelosi looks ahead to the 2026 elections, she sees them as a critical moment to restore Congress’s constitutional functions. With Trump’s approval ratings plummeting and his influence over the GOP weakening, the former speaker is confident that Democrats will be in a strong position to take back the majority. Also Read: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for referendum on peace plan, demands 60-day ceasefire for talks Recent polls, such as a Gallup survey in November, show Trump’s approval rating at just 36%, with a significant 60% disapproval rate. This downturn in Trump’s popularity, combined with a historical pattern of midterm losses for the party in the White House, makes many Republicans anxious about the upcoming elections. Additionally, several prominent Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Joni Ernst, and Tommy Tuberville, have announced they will not run for re-election in 2026, further fueling speculation about the GOP's future. Pelosi, who will retire after her current term concludes in early 2027, sees reclaiming the House Speaker’s position as one of her final goals. The 85-year-old, who made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker, said that she is focused on returning governance to a place that serves the American people with integrity and hope. Reflecting on her legacy and the future of American politics, Pelosi said, “The American people are fundamentally good, and I want to help guide us back to a place where that is recognised.”

Nancy Pelosi predicts a Democratic victory in the 2026 midterms, confidently saying Hakeem Jeffries will become Speaker and restore congressional power from Donald Trump

Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader and Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, on Tuesday (Jul 23) endorsed VP Kamala Harris to be the official Democrat nominee ahead of the November presidential elections.

Addressing a press conference in Washington DC, Schumer said, "When I spoke with her Sunday, she said she wanted the opportunity to win the nomination on her own, and to do so from the grassroots up, not top down.”

“Now that the process has played out from the grassroots, bottom up, we are here today to throw our support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.”

Meanwhile, Jeffries stressed that her candidacy had re-energised the party and the nation.

Watch:&nbsp;US: Kamala Harris raises record $81 million in campaign funds in 24 hours

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“Kamala Harris and her candidacy has excited and energized the House Democratic Caucus, the Democratic Party and the nation,” he said. “I’m proud to strongly endorse Kamala Harris to be the 47th president of the United States of America.”

This further cements Harris's nomination bid within two days of President Joe Biden's announcement of ending his election campaign.

CNN quoted one source as saying that both Schumer and Jeffries earlier talked to Harris.

Harris has already earned support from at least 40 Democratic senators and 100 House members.

Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential Democrats, also endorsed Harris Monday. Former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton also endorsed the VP, saying they "will do whatever we can to support her."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj8lIP56L2HAxWJia8BHc2bAJYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/kamala-harris-for-president-after-biden-exits-race-vice-president-enters-what-are-her-chances-743300" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/kamala-harris-for-president-after-biden-exits-race-vice-president-enters-what-are-her-chances-743300&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8lIP56L2HAxWJia8BHc2bAJYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Kamala Harris for president: After Biden exits, his vice president enters race, but can she win?</a>

"Nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one," the Clintons said in a joint statement.

Other high-ranking members of Democratic leadership, including Whip Katherine Clark, Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu, have also endorsed Harris.

Harris has already secured support from a majority of delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

A survey by the news agency Associated Press showed that Harris had the support of 2,538 delegates which is well beyond the 1,976 needed to win the delegates' vote in the coming weeks.

Earlier, the Harris campaign said it raised $81 million in the 24 hours following Biden's exit, the most for a single day in the 2024 campaign for either party.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader and Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, on Tuesday (Jul 23) endorsed VP Kamala Harris to be the official Democrat nominee ahead of the November presidential elections.

Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader and Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, on Tuesday (Jul 23) endorsed VP Kamala Harris to be the official Democrat nominee ahead of the November presidential elections. Addressing a press conference in Washington DC, Schumer said, "When I spoke with her Sunday, she said she wanted the opportunity to win the nomination on her own, and to do so from the grassroots up, not top down.” “Now that the process has played out from the grassroots, bottom up, we are here today to throw our support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.” Meanwhile, Jeffries stressed that her candidacy had re-energised the party and the nation. Watch: US: Kamala Harris raises record $81 million in campaign funds in 24 hours × “Kamala Harris and her candidacy has excited and energized the House Democratic Caucus, the Democratic Party and the nation,” he said. “I’m proud to strongly endorse Kamala Harris to be the 47th president of the United States of America.” This further cements Harris's nomination bid within two days of President Joe Biden's announcement of ending his election campaign. CNN quoted one source as saying that both Schumer and Jeffries earlier talked to Harris. Harris has already earned support from at least 40 Democratic senators and 100 House members. Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential Democrats, also endorsed Harris Monday. Former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton also endorsed the VP, saying they "will do whatever we can to support her." Also read: Kamala Harris for president: After Biden exits, his vice president enters race, but can she win? "Nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one," the Clintons said in a joint statement. Other high-ranking members of Democratic leadership, including Whip Katherine Clark, Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu, have also endorsed Harris. Harris has already secured support from a majority of delegates to the Democratic National Convention. A survey by the news agency Associated Press showed that Harris had the support of 2,538 delegates which is well beyond the 1,976 needed to win the delegates' vote in the coming weeks. Earlier, the Harris campaign said it raised $81 million in the 24 hours following Biden's exit, the most for a single day in the 2024 campaign for either party. (With inputs from agencies)

Schumer and Jeffries, top two Democrats in Congress, endorse Kamala Harris

Media reports citing sources said several significant Democratic donors have informed Future Forward, the biggest super PAC of supporters of the United States President Joe Biden that pledges totalling about $90 million are now on hold if the incumbent remains the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.&nbsp;

According to a New York Times report, some eight-figure pledges are among the frozen funds. This comes after Biden's poor debate performance against his rival and predecessor Donald Trump.

A group donor shared that Future Forward had approached them and their friends several times since the debate, asking for money, but they had been “holding off.”

The two people briefed on the frozen pledges declined to say which individual donors were pulling back promised checks, which were estimated to total around or above $90 million.&nbsp;

A second source close to the group told the NYT that the super PAC has been delaying big strategic choices until it has a clear idea of who would be at the top of the ticket.

The financial freeze coincides with the conversation among some of Biden's advisors about how to convince the president to withdraw from the race.

According to reports, Biden's campaign has been quietly testing Vice President Kamala Harris' chances against Trump. The number of congressional Democrats urging the incumbent president to stand down is rising.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-italian-pm-giorgia-melonis-eye-roll-as-biden-arrives-late-to-nato-summit-goes-viral-740260">Watch | Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's eye-roll as Biden arrives late to NATO summit goes viral</a>

The possible shortage of super PAC funds also coincides with the campaign preparing for a challenging July fundraising period, as key donors question Biden's chances of winning in November.

Future Forward, designated by Biden's campaign as its primary super PAC for the 2024 race, has already reserved $250 million in TV and digital ads starting after the Democratic National Convention (DNC) next month.

Following the debate, a leaked poll from an organisation closely associated with Future Forward revealed that the super PAC had evaluated the likability of potential Biden alternatives, including Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

President Biden has had a worse overall favorability rating than all the others, according to the poll.

<h2>Hakeem Jeffries withholds support for Biden after press conference:&nbsp;Reports</h2>

House&nbsp;Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries&nbsp;reportedly declined to give&nbsp;Biden his support when they met after the president's press conference Thursday (Jul 11)&nbsp;night, according to CNN.

According to CNN, Jeffries "bluntly" expressed the opinions of his caucus during the discussion, though it's unclear if Biden requested his support.

(With inputs from agencies)

Media reports citing sources said several significant Democratic donors have informed Future Forward, the biggest super PAC of supporters of the United States President Joe Biden that pledges totalling about $90 million are now on hold if the incumbent remains the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

Media reports citing sources said several significant Democratic donors have informed Future Forward, the biggest super PAC of supporters of the United States President Joe Biden that pledges totalling about $90 million are now on hold if the incumbent remains the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. According to a New York Times report, some eight-figure pledges are among the frozen funds. This comes after Biden's poor debate performance against his rival and predecessor Donald Trump. A group donor shared that Future Forward had approached them and their friends several times since the debate, asking for money, but they had been “holding off.” The two people briefed on the frozen pledges declined to say which individual donors were pulling back promised checks, which were estimated to total around or above $90 million. A second source close to the group told the NYT that the super PAC has been delaying big strategic choices until it has a clear idea of who would be at the top of the ticket. The financial freeze coincides with the conversation among some of Biden's advisors about how to convince the president to withdraw from the race. According to reports, Biden's campaign has been quietly testing Vice President Kamala Harris' chances against Trump. The number of congressional Democrats urging the incumbent president to stand down is rising. Also read: Watch | Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's eye-roll as Biden arrives late to NATO summit goes viral The possible shortage of super PAC funds also coincides with the campaign preparing for a challenging July fundraising period, as key donors question Biden's chances of winning in November. Future Forward, designated by Biden's campaign as its primary super PAC for the 2024 race, has already reserved $250 million in TV and digital ads starting after the Democratic National Convention (DNC) next month. Following the debate, a leaked poll from an organisation closely associated with Future Forward revealed that the super PAC had evaluated the likability of potential Biden alternatives, including Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. President Biden has had a worse overall favorability rating than all the others, according to the poll. Hakeem Jeffries withholds support for Biden after press conference: Reports House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reportedly declined to give Biden his support when they met after the president's press conference Thursday (Jul 11) night, according to CNN. According to CNN, Jeffries "bluntly" expressed the opinions of his caucus during the discussion, though it's unclear if Biden requested his support. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden's campaign faces $90 million setback as major donors freeze funds after debate against Trump

The Democratic Party has elected Hakeem Jeffries as the new leader of the U.S. House of Representatives. Who exactly is the man set to replace Nancy Pelosi? Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Hakeem Jeffries elected Democrat House Leader

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries has been elected to succeed Nancy Pelosi as leader of the Democrats in the House next year. Jeffries will become the first Black American to head a major political party in the Congress. The decision taken on Wednesday at Capitol Hill was a closed door one and unanimous, by acclamation.

The internal Democratic caucus votes of Jeffries and the other top leaders faced no challengers. While Jeffries will be the Democratic minority leader in the new Congress, 59-year-old Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts is the Democratic whip and 43-year-old Rep. Pete Aguilar of California is caucus chairman.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/controversial-highlights-of-nancy-pelosis-tenure-as-democratic-leader-535223">Controversial highlights of Nancy Pelosi's tenure as Democratic leader</a>

The change marks a stark contrast &nbsp;in leadership who are all three decades younger than the older lot.&nbsp;Pelosi along with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina are stepping down from their roles. Jeffries had become the youngest member serving in leadership when he became the chairman of the Democratic caucus in 2019.&nbsp;

“It’s a solemn responsibility that we are all inheriting. And the best thing that we can do as a result of the seriousness and solemnity of the moment is lean in hard and do the best damn job that we can for the people," Jeffries had said a day before the meeting.

Meanwhile, Pelosi was designated “Speaker Emerita” in a unanimous vote by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Tuesday night. After leading the House Democrats for the past 20 years, Pelosi expressed confidence in the new leaders.&nbsp;

“A new day is dawning — and I am confident that these new leaders will capably lead our Caucus and the Congress,” Pelosi said.

The Democrats will be in minority in the new House next year, but the Democrats are expected to be in a better position as the Republicans &nbsp;are struggling to unite around GOP leader Kevin McCarthy as the new House speaker.

Jeffries was the House manager during Donald Trump’s first impeachment.

“We’re still working through the implications of Trumpism and what it has meant, as a very destabilizing force for American democracy," Jeffries said.

He further said that he hopes to “lead an effort that centers our communication strategy around the messaging principle that values unite, issues divide.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Rep. Hakeem Jeffries has been elected to succeed Nancy Pelosi as leader of the Democrats in the House next year. Jeffries will become the first Black American to head a major political party in the Congress.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries has been elected to succeed Nancy Pelosi as leader of the Democrats in the House next year. Jeffries will become the first Black American to head a major political party in the Congress. The decision taken on Wednesday at Capitol Hill was a closed door one and unanimous, by acclamation. The internal Democratic caucus votes of Jeffries and the other top leaders faced no challengers. While Jeffries will be the Democratic minority leader in the new Congress, 59-year-old Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts is the Democratic whip and 43-year-old Rep. Pete Aguilar of California is caucus chairman. Also Read | Controversial highlights of Nancy Pelosi's tenure as Democratic leader The change marks a stark contrast in leadership who are all three decades younger than the older lot. Pelosi along with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina are stepping down from their roles. Jeffries had become the youngest member serving in leadership when he became the chairman of the Democratic caucus in 2019. “It’s a solemn responsibility that we are all inheriting. And the best thing that we can do as a result of the seriousness and solemnity of the moment is lean in hard and do the best damn job that we can for the people," Jeffries had said a day before the meeting. Meanwhile, Pelosi was designated “Speaker Emerita” in a unanimous vote by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Tuesday night. After leading the House Democrats for the past 20 years, Pelosi expressed confidence in the new leaders. “A new day is dawning — and I am confident that these new leaders will capably lead our Caucus and the Congress,” Pelosi said. The Democrats will be in minority in the new House next year, but the Democrats are expected to be in a better position as the Republicans are struggling to unite around GOP leader Kevin McCarthy as the new House speaker. Jeffries was the House manager during Donald Trump’s first impeachment. “We’re still working through the implications of Trumpism and what it has meant, as a very destabilizing force for American democracy," Jeffries said. He further said that he hopes to “lead an effort that centers our communication strategy around the messaging principle that values unite, issues divide.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dems script history, elect Hakeem Jeffries as first black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress

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Trump calls Jeffries and Candace Owens 'Low IQ' in late-night Truth Social rant

Pelosi predicts Democrats will win back House Majority in 2026 midterm polls

Schumer and Jeffries, top two Democrats in Congress, endorse Kamala Harris

Biden's campaign faces $90 million setback as major donors freeze funds after debate against Trump

Gravitas: Hakeem Jeffries elected Democrat House Leader

Dems script history, elect Hakeem Jeffries as first black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress