Jeffries ‘thankful’ US airman was rescued but criticizes ‘reckless and costly war’

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has commended the recent rescue of a U.S. airman in Iran as “heroic,” but he continues to criticize what he refers to as a “war of choice” with Iran, now in its sixth week.

During an interview with ABC News’ “This Week” anchor George Stephanopoulos, Jeffries expressed gratitude for the successful rescue mission carried out by special forces. He emphasized the importance of praying for the safety and well-being of all American men and women in uniform, especially those serving in dangerous war zones. Jeffries went on to criticize President Donald Trump for initiating a war with Iran without a clear plan, strategic objectives, or exit strategy.

The recent rescue operation involved an American airman who had gone missing after his F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iran on Friday. President Trump announced the successful rescue, stating that the airman had been found and was safe, despite sustaining injuries. The pilot was rescued on Friday, thanks to the swift action of U.S. forces.

Jeffries, along with the majority of his party, has been vocal in opposing the war with Iran. He raised concerns about the White House’s proposed budget, which includes a significant increase in defense spending for the fiscal year 2027. The Pentagon is also seeking a $200 billion supplemental funding bill from Congress to support the ongoing war efforts.

In response to the supplemental funding request, Jeffries criticized the increasing cost of the war on taxpayers. He emphasized the need for Congress to responsibly allocate taxpayer dollars and questioned the necessity of additional funding for a war that is already proving to be costly.

As this story continues to develop, it is important to stay updated on any new information that may arise. Please check back for further updates on this evolving situation.