Three months into Trump’s presidency, many Democratic voters feel sidelined and ignored. As the administration ramps up attacks on civil liberties, corporate oversight, and democratic institutions, progressive activists are decrying the lack of urgency from Democratic leaders. Their frustration during Trump’s first 100 days has often centered on House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whose cautious response to Trump’s agenda has sparked growing unease among the party’s base.
In private meetings, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has voiced frustration with activists flooding Democratic congressional offices with calls for a more aggressive stance against President Trump, according to Axios. (Jeffries quickly disputed the characterization given by an anonymous colleague.) Jeffries has underscored his caucus’s limited influence, stating at a February press conference, “It’s their government,” referring to the Republicans, and questioning, “What leverage do we have?” Meanwhile, protesters have held large rallies outside Jeffries’ Brooklyn office, urging him to lead a bolder opposition to Trump. At the same time, the Democratic Party’s favorability has plummeted to a historic low, fueled in part by growing disillusionment among loyalists frustrated with the party’s response to Trump’s agenda.
Fundraising records reveal that during the first three months of the year, a period of heightened frustration for grassroots Democrats, the House Minority Leader was busy raising large checks from finance industry executives, representatives of Trump-aligned companies, and corporate lobbyists.
According to a Federal Election Commission filing reviewed by Sludge, Jeffries' joint fundraising committee, the Jeffries Victory Fund, raised about $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025 from donors tied to hedge funds, private equity, and other areas of the finance sector. One of the largest contributors was Henry Laufer, vice president at Renaissance Technologies, who gave $300,700. Renaissance, a New York-based hedge fund founded by Jim Simons, has been scrutinized by the IRS over its use of “basket options,” a controversial trading strategy that regulators said allowed the firm to avoid billions in taxes. Laufer's spouse kicked in an additional $300,700.
