CBS Host Margaret Brennan Criticized for Hostile Interview with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was interviewed by CBS News host Margaret Brennan on "Face the Nation," where she challenged him on his claims that President Donald Trump will attempt to "rig" the 2026 midterm elections through gerrymandering. Brennan questioned Jeffries about his earlier statement that there were "no election deniers" in the Democratic Party and how his recent use of "rigged elections" language could undermine voter confidence. Jeffries clarified that his use of the term referred specifically to what he described as Republicans' efforts to gerrymander congressional maps to influence election outcomes. The interview became tense when Brennan pointed out that Democrats also engage in redistricting, to which Jeffries responded that Democrats aim to ensure fair maps rather than engage in partisan gerrymandering like Republicans. The exchange sparked criticism of Brennan’s interviewing style, with some viewers and commentators labeling it as hostile and unprofessional. Additionally, Jeffries has faced scrutiny for his support of redistricting in Democratic-controlled states while criticizing similar efforts in Republican-led states, emphasizing bipartisan approaches in some cases.