Ashley Etienne Slams Hakeem Jeffries for Weak Leadership

Ashley Etienne, a former top communications adviser to Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi, publicly criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a Politico interview, calling out his lack of coordination, messaging strategy, and decisiveness. Etienne said Jeffries’ leadership of House Democrats feels disjointed and ineffective, adding, “If you don’t have coordination, you’ve just got words on paper.” She argued the caucus lacks unity and strategic direction, particularly in confronting Donald Trump.

Etienne also condemned efforts to distance current leadership from Pelosi’s legacy, calling it “the dumbest s-h-i-t ever.” She believes abandoning Pelosi’s proven strategies has weakened the party.

She further criticized Jeffries for overanalyzing, delaying decisions, and failing to seize political opportunities. Pointing to chaotic Democratic protests during Trump’s joint address and a press coordination breakdown during a key speech, she said these missteps reflect deeper issues in leadership.

Jeffries’ remark that Democrats have “no power” especially disappointed her. “Trump is handing Democrats red meat, and we’re squandering it,” she said. Etienne’s comments echo a broader concern: without stronger, sharper leadership, Democrats risk missing crucial chances to challenge Trump and the GOP.