Michael LaRosa, a former White House insider, has called for a shift in strategy within the Democratic Party, emphasizing the need to move away from divisive rhetoric, and his comments follow internal criticisms and heightened tensions in the aftermath of Kamala Harris's loss to Donald Trump in the recent presidential election.

LaRosa, who once worked for Jill Biden, warned that inflammatory language and extreme characterizations are undermining the Democratic Party’s credibility and contributing to its electoral setbacks, as the Washington Examiner reports.

In a post on X, LaRosa expressed frustration over recent remarks made by an MSNBC guest, who described Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, as a “white supremacist” due to his opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the military. He argued that such accusations lack nuance and alienate voters.

Criticism of Name-Calling Sparks Debate

The former spokesperson was direct in his criticism, stating that equating opposition to DEI with white supremacy is a misstep.

He pointed out that this type of rhetoric played a role in the Democratic Party’s recent losses, including Harris's substantial defeat in the Electoral College and Trump’s first-ever popular vote victory.

“This has to stop,” LaRosa wrote. “Opposing DEI initiatives does not make you a white supremacist. Conversations like this are a big part of the reason we lost.”

His post highlighted the growing tension within the party as members debate the best path forward after their unexpected defeat.

Following Trump’s election, Democrats have faced internal divisions. Some members have blamed President Joe Biden and campaign strategies for the loss, while others point to a widening disconnect between the party and working-class voters.

These criticisms have intensified as Trump, now president-elect, begins appointing Cabinet members who have sparked widespread controversy.

Calls for a Strategic and Serious Approach

LaRosa urged Democrats to adopt a more strategic approach to counter Trump and his administration. “The answer to extremism is not more extremism,” he wrote. “Voices like this on the left are turning the Democratic Party into a joke.”

His post emphasized the importance of addressing political challenges with thoughtful debate rather than what he described as “juvenile invective.” He criticized the tendency to vilify nominees without focusing on substantive policy discussions.

Trump’s Cabinet selections have only deepened the divide between Democrats and Republicans. Pete Hegseth, in particular, has faced scrutiny for his views on DEI programs, which he has criticized as unnecessary and divisive.

While his nomination has drawn sharp opposition from Democrats, LaRosa cautioned against resorting to personal attacks.

Trump’s Nominees Add to Party Tensions

Instead, he called for a focus on policy-based critiques. “Let’s fight back with a strategy and tactics,” he wrote, emphasizing the need for a disciplined approach to political opposition.

The Democratic Party’s internal debate reflects broader challenges as it seeks to rebuild after its defeat. LaRosa’s comments have sparked discussions about the role of rhetoric in shaping public perceptions and winning elections. His critique suggests that the party must reassess its communication strategies if it hopes to regain support.

LaRosa’s call for a shift in tone comes at a critical moment for Democrats, who face significant political and policy battles in the coming months. As Trump prepares to take office, the stakes for both parties remain high.

Moving Forward Amid Internal Divisions

By addressing these internal and external challenges, LaRosa’s remarks highlight a potential path forward -- one that prioritizes meaningful dialogue over divisive language.

Whether the party will heed his advice remains to be seen.