Jeffries faces tough road as first Black House Speaker

Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become the first Black Speaker of the US House of Representatives in January, a role that will make him a top opposition figure against President Donald Trump. The 56-year-old Brooklyn lawyer and Democratic leader is known for a calm, strategic style, but faces challenges uniting his party's moderate and progressive factions while confronting Trump. He has pledged to focus on affordability and holding the administration accountable. Jeffries rose from a childhood in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to become a prominent impeachment prosecutor in 2020. His pragmatic approach contrasts with his predecessor Nancy Pelosi's more confrontational style, and he has faced criticism from progressives for being too cautious.