House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared momentarily stunned during a Monday interview on CNBC after being confronted by host Joe Kernen with a list of President Donald Trump’s policy and economic achievements, as reported [1] by The Gateway Pundit.
The exchange, which quickly circulated on social media, showed Jeffries falling silent and staring blankly after Kernen challenged his characterization of the Trump administration’s record.
The interview took place on CNBC’s morning program, where Kernen pressed Jeffries on his repeated claims that President Trump’s policies had damaged the economy and the country.
Kernen, responding to Jeffries’ criticism, read from a list of data points reflecting strong economic and diplomatic performance under President Trump.
“Mr. Speaker, I don’t know about deflation and costs coming down,” Kernen began.
“All I can tell you is that the inflation rate itself was 2.7% in the most recent read, year over year, versus, it got to a high of 9% under Biden. Stocks are at record highs. Unemployment is 4.2%. That’s full employment. The GDP was 3%. The border is actually secure. We’ve got trade deals with EU, Japan, many more in the works, and trillions of dollars of foreign investment coming here. Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been set back indefinitely. And, I just wrote down a few things.”
Kernen then asked, “I just have to ask you, where is the calamity that you’re talking about? It almost seems like for Democrats, socialism is the answer to these problems, or I don’t know, an end of democracy or something. We just don’t get it.”
Jeffries, who has served as the House Democratic Leader since 2023, did not immediately respond, instead pausing and looking off-camera as Kernen waited. The silence stretched for several seconds before the segment moved on.
CNBC’s Joe Kernen just hit Hakeem Jeffries with the facts: “Where is the calamity that you’re talking about? It almost seems like for Democrats, socialism is the answer to these problems.”pic.twitter.com/YMbcCRuRJ4 [2]
— Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) August 16, 2025 [3]
The clip was quickly posted online, including by the account “Thomas Sowell Quotes” on X, where it drew millions of views within hours.
The post read: “CNBC’s Joe Kernen just hit Hakeem Jeffries with the facts: ‘Where is the calamity that you’re talking about? It almost seems like for Democrats, socialism is the answer to these problems.’”
The moment has since been shared widely across conservative media outlets and social platforms, with commentators noting Jeffries’ lack of response to Kernen’s summary of President Trump’s economic, trade, and foreign policy accomplishments.
Kernen’s remarks referenced Trump-era statistics that included a 3% GDP growth rate, record-high stock market indices, and international trade agreements with major global partners such as Japan and the European Union.
He also cited falling inflation and improved border security under the Trump administration, contrasting them with economic challenges and inflationary pressures during the Biden years.
The exchange represents one of the few instances in which a major network anchor has directly questioned Democratic leadership on-air about measurable outcomes during President Trump’s administration.