Prominent Democrats are reportedly capitalizing on the recent government shutdown by criticizing Republicans and former President Donald Trump, based on an email obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The government shutdown was instigated by Senate Democrats, who declined to support a clean, bipartisan funding expansion. In response, various Democratic groups have ramped up their fundraising efforts, sending out numerous emails seeking donations since the shutdown was announced.
The House Majority PAC, a group focused on House races, dispatched a fundraising email that included images of Barack and Michelle Obama, with the caption, “The Republican closure continues, with Barack and Michelle Obama speaking up.” The message urged people to take action before it’s too late and highlighted their historical significance as a powerful Democratic couple.
The email also stated, “That’s why House Majority PAC is gathering unprecedented support to show Trump and the Republicans that Democrats are resulting in a government shutdown. We’re offering a 600% match on any donations!”
In a separate email from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, he criticized Trump for posting an altered video of him in a sombrero. Jeffries stated, “He [Trump] posted a racist and biased attack on me to distract from the Republican shutdown,” insisting he would respond to such provocations.
Jeffries further appealed to supporters, asking them to contribute $15 to demonstrate Democratic unity before midnight. Curiously, he did not provide an opinion on whether to withhold pay during the government shutdown.
Meanwhile, vulnerable House Democrats are seizing the opportunity to heighten their fundraising during the shutdown, especially those facing competitive challenges in the upcoming midterms. Nevada Rep. Stephen Horseford sent a fundraising email attributing the shutdown to the Republicans, despite the Nevada Democrats voting against funding it.
Horseford’s message read, “Together, we can demand accountability from Republicans and ensure a government that works for the people. Thank you for standing with us in this battle.”
Similarly, Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur emphasized in her own email that she and her Democratic colleagues are required to remain in Washington to fulfill their duties, stating, “Republicans have literally left while we strive to keep the government running and protect affordable healthcare for families across Ohio and the nation.”
Speaker Mike Johnson has postponed further House activities, aligning with almost all House Democrats, including Kaptur, who opposed the bipartisan funding bill. Funding for the government is expected to be addressed on September 19.
A Democratic candidate vying for a House seat in 2026 also issued a fundraising appeal denouncing Republicans amid the shutdown, asserting, “Today, Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress have halted federal government operations. We all pay the price.” This statement was included in a fundraising email shared with NH Journal.
This candidate, Shaheen, is contesting a primary to succeed Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, who is chasing a Senate seat. Interestingly, Shaheen did not mention that her mother voted for a bipartisan funding bill three times in the past, with a vote on a fourth bill scheduled for Friday.
The Daily Caller News Foundation has also reviewed a fundraising email from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats. Johnson remarked that House Democrats have diminished their credibility by allowing the government to shut down while claiming to want it reopened.
He noted, “Their entire existence, however misleading it may be, revolves around messaging. Hospital Democrats no longer hold any credibility.” Requests for comment from Jeffries, Horseford, Kaptur, and Shaheen were not met with responses.
