Congressman Clay Higgins Launches Conspiracy Attack on Hakeem Jeffries

Rep. Clay Higgins, a Republican from Louisiana, sparked significant backlash on social media after making a conspiratorial accusation against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York. On August 14, 2023, Higgins posted on X, formerly Twitter, and referred to Jeffries as a “reptilian,” a term associated with a controversial conspiracy theory that suggests powerful figures are actually shape-shifting reptilian humanoids.

The accusation, which was linked to the theories promoted by British Holocaust denier David Icke, has drawn widespread condemnation. Critics expressed disbelief at Higgins’ remarks, with many calling for consequences. One user, known as “Chippy Dizzle,” stated, “You SHOULD lose your job for this… but as we’ve learned, there are no consequences for Republicans anymore.” This user has a history of posting content critical of the Trump administration and has garnered over 4,200 followers on X.

Higgins has been a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, supporting efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and often echoing Trump’s rhetoric. Trump himself endorsed Higgins for his re-election campaign in 2024, describing him as an “America First warrior” in a recorded message that Higgins has promoted.

The reaction to Higgins’ comments extended beyond typical partisan lines. Even users who typically align with the Republican Party expressed discomfort. Another user, “Jessica,” who has connections to Trump ally Rep. Mike Lee and shares right-wing content, remarked, “Weird times we are in.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among some conservatives regarding the extreme nature of Higgins’ claims.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, such inflammatory statements raise questions about the boundaries of acceptable discourse among lawmakers. Many observers emphasized that this incident may set a troubling precedent regarding the accountability of elected officials for their statements and actions. This situation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in modern political communication, especially in a digital age where information spreads rapidly.

Critics argue that public officials should be held to a higher standard, particularly when their statements can influence public opinion and contribute to the spread of misinformation. As this story develops, it remains to be seen how Higgins’ comments will impact his political future and the broader Republican Party.