Congressional Black Caucus Condemns Journalist After ‘AIPAC Monkey’ Remark About Hakeem Jeffries

Journalist Rula Jebreal drew sharp criticism after calling House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries an "AIPAC monkey" and an "errand boy" during an appearance on Wajahat Ali's podcast, The Left Hook. The comments prompted a public rebuke from the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), several prominent Black political figures, and a subsequent apology from Jebreal.

CBC Response

The Congressional Black Caucus said Jebreal's language was "openly bigoted" and described the remarks as another manifestation of "anti-Black racism." The group added that there is no non-racist way to call Leader Jeffries, who is Black, a "monkey" or an "errand boy."

"This is what happens when we hold ourselves to such low standards for what's allowable in our discourse. People get comfortable being openly bigoted."

"We have to stop platforming and trafficking in anti-Black racism, whether it's on the political right or the left."

What Jebreal Said And Her Apology

On the podcast, Jebreal criticized Jeffries' stance on Israel and his perceived ties to the lobbying group AIPAC. She said, "Hakeem, in Arabic, means healer. He's not a healer, he's a divider," then described him as "a bought and paid by AIPAC monkey" and later called him "basically an errand boy." She immediately attempted to downplay the racial intent of the remark but later issued a public apology on X (formerly Twitter).

On Sept. 4 Jebreal wrote: "I am disgusted and horrified that Hakeem Jeffries is taking money from AIPAC amidst Israel's genocide in Palestine. That said, a term that I used to describe him was inappropriate and offensive and should never have been used. I apologize unconditionally."

Political Reactions

The remarks drew swift condemnation from several Black political figures. Representative Ayanna Pressley called the language "absolutely disgusting and unacceptable under any circumstances." Symone D. Sanders, reflecting on her early days in progressive politics, noted that disagreement need not include disrespect and warned there is "no hall pass for racism." Sanders also reminded critics that if Democrats regain the House, Jeffries is widely expected to become Speaker and would be third in line to the presidency—an office that merits basic respect.

Context And Fallout

Observers noted that Jebreal has previously acknowledged the racist connotations of using "monkey" as an insult. In 2018 she criticized then-GOP politician Ron DeSantis for language she described as "disgusting, blatant racist rhetoric." The episode has reignited conversations about tone and accountability in political commentary, the responsibilities of media platforms, and how race is invoked in heated policy disputes—particularly around U.S. politics and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Key facts: The comments were made on The Left Hook podcast; the CBC issued a formal rebuke; Jebreal apologized publicly; multiple Black leaders condemned the remarks; the controversy touches on broader debates about platforming, race, and political rhetoric.