House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused President Trump of "Obama derangement syndrome" while Trump seeks a deal with Iran. Jeffries pointed to the 2015 JCPOA as a multilateral framework the U.S. abandoned and called the administration's approach a "reckless and costly war of choice," citing higher gas prices and increased regional instability. On his 80th birthday, Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. was "very close" to a deal, while Iranian officials warned that an Israeli strike on Beirut could derail negotiations.
Jeffries Fires Back: Accuses Trump Of 'Obama Derangement Syndrome' Amid Iran Deal Talks
Hakeem Jeffries Hurls This Go-To Trump Insult Right Back At Him
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Sunday sharply criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him of suffering from "Obama derangement syndrome" as the president pursues a potential deal with Iran to end an unpopular conflict.
Jeffries Points To 2015 Nuclear Deal
Speaking on "Meet the Press," Jeffries was asked whether the war would have been "worth it" if Trump secures an agreement that "ultimately leads" Iran to abandon its enrichment program. Jeffries instead pointed to the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement — the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — as a multilateral framework that constrained Tehran's nuclear activities. He noted that multiple countries, including China and Russia, joined the effort to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions.
"It was Donald Trump who made the decision to rip that agreement up because apparently he suffers from Obama derangement syndrome," Jeffries said, turning an insult the president often uses against critics back on him.
Jeffries added that after the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, the administration's policies contributed to rising tensions in the region. "Donald Trump then enters us into this reckless and costly war of choice, and the question that the American people are understandably asking is how has this in any way made things better? Gas prices are through the roof, Iran is stronger now — not weaker — and the American people are less safe," he said.
Trump's Response And Regional Fallout
As Trump moved to negotiate with Iran on Sunday — the day he turned 80 — he posted on Truth Social criticizing an Israeli strike on Beirut and insisting the U.S. was "so close" to a deal with Tehran. He wrote, "We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down," and added, "This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace — Let's not blow it!"
Iranian officials warned that the Israeli strike on Beirut could jeopardize the talks, suggesting the incident might undermine negotiations between Tehran and Washington amid broader regional violence. The exchange highlights the political stakes at home and abroad as both sides weigh diplomacy, public opinion and security concerns.
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