Leading Democratic US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries is facing a backlash after he tried to fire Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) activists on the grounds that their movement lacked diversity, a comment critics say is using identity politics to defend his pro-Israel record.
The Brooklyn-born politician is widely known as AIPAC Shakur, a moniker that mocks Jefferies' financial ties to the leading pro-Israel lobby group in the US, the American Israel Public Committee (AIPAC).
According to Track AIPAC, Jefferies has received over $1.5 million from pro-Israel lobbying networks. After progressive candidates won the June 2026 midterm primaries, DSA supporters chanted “You're next! "In Jeffries' picture.
When pressed, he digressed by attacking the demographics of the masses, stating that it was “very interesting” that there was “almost zero diversity. ".
But commentators called on Jeffries to use his identity to deflect criticism of his pro-Israel stance.