Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed strong support for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, predicting his potential rise to the role of Speaker should the Democratic Party regain control of the House of Representatives. In an interview with ABC News anchor Jonathan Karl on November 10, 2025, Pelosi characterized Jeffries as a “unifier” and highly capable of leading the party.
Pelosi, who made history as the first female Speaker of the House, emphasized her confidence in the Democrats’ ability to reclaim the House. “So, if the Democrats win the House back—” Karl began, but Pelosi interjected firmly, stating, “No, no—when. When the Democrats win the House back, because we will.”
In discussing the potential challenges of a Democratic Speaker engaging with Donald Trump, Karl sought Pelosi’s advice. She responded, “Be yourself. Just do your own thing, just be yourself,” underscoring her belief in Jeffries’ preparedness for leadership. “Hakeem Jeffries is ready, he’s eloquent, he’s respected by the members, he is a unifier,” she added.
Pelosi dismissed any doubts regarding Jeffries’ ascension to the role, affirming, “No,” when asked if there were concerns about whether it would be him leading the party.
As the conversation shifted to legislative strategy, Karl inquired about the approach the next Democratic Speaker should take regarding Trump. “It would be hard to come up with something that [Trump] will sign because of the problem that he is,” Pelosi stated. She indicated that Trump could obstruct significant legislative efforts, complicating any potential cooperation.
Despite Pelosi’s strong backing, Jeffries has faced scrutiny recently. During a broadcast, CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins challenged his assertion that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was unresponsive regarding the ongoing government shutdown. Reports confirmed that Johnson had indeed engaged with Jeffries about strategies to resolve the impasse.
Furthermore, hosts from CNBC disputed Jeffries’ claims that the Republicans were solely responsible for the shutdown, suggesting that Democrats had been actively proposing solutions. During the same dialogue, Jeffries criticized Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, calling him “woefully unqualified” for his position.
In response to Jeffries’ remarks, Fox News anchor John Roberts highlighted Dr. Oz’s qualifications, noting his impressive educational background, including an undergraduate degree from Harvard and an MD from the University of Pennsylvania. Roberts emphasized that Dr. Oz had a successful career as a cardiothoracic surgeon prior to his television career, challenging Jeffries’ characterization.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Pelosi’s endorsement of Jeffries signals a significant alignment within the Democratic Party, reinforcing expectations for a unified front in the face of upcoming challenges. The potential for a Democratic resurgence in the House remains a focal point as the party navigates internal and external pressures leading into future elections.
