By CPT Robert M. Cornicelli, USARNG (Ret.), US Navy Veteran Former Executive Officer & Director of Operations, DIA President, Veterans for America First
I’ve spent my life serving this country, and I know what happens when reckless leaders put politics over public safety. Words have consequences, especially in today’s divided climate. What Hakeem Jeffries has done isn’t just political grandstanding, its reckless incitement, This is a deliberate effort by Jeffries to push this country closer to chaos. He’s not just crossing the line, he’s obliterating it, whipping up division, and daring people to turn his reckless words into violent action. This isn’t just irresponsible, it’s dangerous, un-American, and it cannot be ignored.
We’ve all seen the assassination attempt on President Trump at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Shots were fired. Trump was hit. A supporter was killed. And let’s not forget, this isn’t the first time his life has been targeted. There have been multiple threats and assassination attempts.
Yet, despite all this, Hakeem Jeffries is out there telling people to ‘fight in the streets’ against Trump’s agenda. That’s not a slip of the tongue. That’s a call to action and in today’s world, where unhinged people are listening, that kind of rhetoric gets people killed.
Mike Johnson Needs to Act… NOW!!
I get it, Speaker Mike Johnson can’t just remove Jeffries from Congress with the snap of his fingers. But he can do something. He must do something. If Republicans sit on their hands, we’re just as guilty as the Democrats who let this stuff slide.
Here’s what Speaker Johnson needs to do immediately:
1. Expel Jeffries from Congress.
The U.S. Constitution allows for expulsion with a two-thirds vote. Will that be easy? No. But let’s force Democrats to take a stand. Are they against violent rhetoric, or are they protecting one of their own? Put them on the record.
2. Censure Him.
If expulsion isn’t feasible right away, censure him. It’s a formal public condemnation, and it only requires a simple majority vote. If Republicans can’t at least do that, then what are we even doing?
3. Launch a Full Ethics Investigation.
Send Jeffries to the House Ethics Committee and investigate him for inciting violence. If they find misconduct, he could lose even more credibility and face additional penalties.
4. Strip Him of His Committee Assignments.
Jeffries shouldn’t be allowed to sit on committees after calling for street fights. Johnson can push for a House vote to remove him from all assignments immediately.
5. Pressure Democrats to Take a Stand.
If a Republican had said what Jeffries did, CNN, MSNBC, and every Democrat in Congress would be demanding their resignation. Where’s the outrage now? Speaker Johnson should make sure the American people see this hypocrisy loud and clear.
This isn’t about left vs. right. It’s about right vs. wrong. When political leaders encourage violence, it puts all Americans at risk. Hakeem Jeffries knows exactly what he’s doing, and he needs to be held accountable.
Speaker Mike Johnson, it’s time to lead with strength, not hesitation. No more weak statements, no more empty rhetoric, and no more waiting for the media to suddenly start caring—they won’t. It’s on you to take action now. Hold Jeffries accountable, send a message that inciting violence has consequences, and show America that Congress still has a backbone. Because if we let this slide, we’re not just inviting another attack—we’re guaranteeing it. And next time, it could be even worse.
