During an interview with Newsmax, U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne (R) criticized congressional Democrats amid the ongoing government shutdown, arguing that they have repeatedly supported similar spending bills in the past, but are now obstructing progress due to political opposition to President Donald Trump.
"We have seen Democrats vote for this 13 times; the only difference now is that President Trump is in the White House," said Van Duyne. "They have voted for this same level of funding. This was, by the way, a compromise from Republicans from day one."
We have seen the Democrats vote for clean continuing resolutions 13 times. What changed? The fact that President Trump is in the White House.
Democrats are playing games with the American people and once again, putting Americans last. pic.twitter.com/23R7R4Ofr9
— Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (@RepBethVanDuyne) October 20, 2025
Van Duyne explained that many Republicans had initially pushed for additional policy changes and spending cuts but ultimately agreed to a continuing resolution (CR) as a bipartisan compromise.
She accused Democrats of "holding the entire American government hostage" by refusing to accept the deal.
"I understand that kind of negotiation, but unfortunately what they are doing is wasting time and wasting money," she said. "Thank God they have President Trump in the White House who is making sure troops get paid and programs like WIC are funded, and doing it with absolutely no help from the Democrats."
Van Duyne's remarks come as the Government remains shutdown, marking the third-longest shutdown the U.S. has seen, with no compromise in sight.
