Vance Blames Democrats for Shutdown, Calls for Immediate Reopening of Government

Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday sharply criticized congressional Democrats over the ongoing government shutdown, arguing that they had prioritized “health care for illegal aliens” over essential services for American citizens.

“The reason your government is shut down at this very minute is because… the Chuck Schumer–AOC wing of the Democratic Party shut down the government,” Vance said from the White House podium. He claimed that Democrats conditioned reopening the government on billions of dollars in health care funding for undocumented immigrants, a demand he called “a ridiculous proposition.”

Vance emphasized the consequences of the shutdown, warning that members of the military, federal law enforcement officers, and low-income families who rely on food assistance programs could be affected if Congress fails to act. “Our troops are not getting paid starting today because of the Chuck Schumer wing of the Democratic Party,” he said, also pointing to flood insurance and nutrition programs as at risk.

The vice president framed President Trump’s recent health care and technology initiatives—such as an agreement with Pfizer to lower drug prices and an executive order on artificial intelligence research—as evidence of Republican efforts to improve American health care in contrast with Democrats’ focus on immigration. “Let’s fix America’s problems,” Vance said. “Let’s work together to solve them. But let’s reopen the government before we have our negotiation about health care policy.”

Pressed on whether the shutdown could be prolonged, Vance said he believed some moderate Democrats were beginning to break ranks with party leadership. “I actually don’t think it’s going to be that long of a shutdown,” he said. “We need five more [Democrats] in order to reopen the government.”

The vice president also dismissed Democratic leaders’ assertion that Republicans caused the funding lapse, calling it “obviously a Democratic shutdown.” Nearly all Republicans, he noted, voted for a stopgap measure that Democrats opposed.

At one point, Vance suggested political motivations were driving the stalemate, contending that Schumer was influenced by fears of a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). “The reason why the American people’s government is shut down is because Chuck Schumer is listening to the far-left radicals in his own party,” Vance said.

While defending the administration’s handling of the shutdown, Vance said layoffs of federal employees could occur if it drags on. “We’re going to have to lay some people off if the shutdown continues,” he acknowledged, though he stressed the administration would focus on preserving “essential services.”

Despite the combative tone, Vance reiterated that the White House was willing to negotiate health care policy once the government reopens. “We can open the government and then have the conversation about what best health care policy to fit the needs of the American people,” he said.