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Democrats, Donald Trump, GOP, JD Vance, Opinion, Politics

Panicked Trump Sends Vance Into Press Briefing After Shutdown — VP Goes On Unhinged Rant

Who’s really in charge?

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582 points

On Wednesday, the Senate voted to block the GOP’s stop-gap funding bill, which could have kept federal operations open until November 21.

The shutdown began at midnight. Federal departments have been closing one by one, and about 750,000 workers are expected to be furloughed.

Some essential employees, including military personnel and border agents, will work without pay. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association warned that safety could be affected, as over 2,300 members were sent home.

President Donald Trump and Congress failed to reach a deal. Democrats wanted extended health care subsidies for low-income families. Republicans, including Trump, refused to meet those demands. The Senate will not meet again until Friday, leaving a pause in hopes for a quick resolution.

At a normally routine press briefing, Vice President JD Vance stepped in to speak for the White House. The move surprised many. Vance criticized Democrats, saying, “They said to us, ‘we will open the government, but only if you give billions of dollars of funding for health care for illegal aliens’. That’s a ridiculous proposition.”

Vance’s claim is false. U.S. law bars undocumented immigrants from receiving these benefits, and Democrats never asked Congress to change that.

Vance also claimed, “If you’re an American citizen and you’ve been to the hospital in the last few years, you’ve probably noticed that wait times are especially large and very often somebody who’s there in the ER is an illegal alien. Why do those people get healthcare benefits at hospitals paid for by American citizens?”

Social media users quickly slammed the comments. One person wrote, “That’s not even remotely true and even if it was it’s a despicable way to demean people who are seeking life saving care.”

Another added, “I know when I’m in the emergency room, I’m always thinking about the immigration status of the other people in the room AND NOT THE INTENSE KIDNEY STONE PAIN THAT BROUGHT ME HERE.”

The White House has warned that layoffs are “imminent.” Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters, “We are working with agencies across the board to identify where cuts can be made… and we believe that layoffs are imminent.” Trump’s team also warned that the shutdown could turn some furloughs into permanent firings.

This shutdown is the first since the record 35-day halt in 2019. It affects multiple services used by ordinary Americans, from national parks to permit applications.

Tourists and visitors are already voicing frustration. Terese Johnston, a 61-year-old retired tour guide visiting Washington from California, said, “You compromise. You find ways. So everybody gives a little bit, everybody takes a little bit, and things work.”

Vance admitted during the press conference that some federal workers could be laid off. “We don’t like that,” he said. “We don’t necessarily want to do it, but we’re going to do what we have to keep the American people’s essential services continuing to run.”

Analysts predict this shutdown may last longer than 2018’s pause, which ended after 6 Democrats from red states faced pressure from their constituents.

Featured image via X screengrab

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Terry Lawson

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Terry is an editor and political writer based in Alabama. Over the last five years, he’s worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for a range of companies, helping shape voices and tell stories that connect. Now at Political Tribune, he writes sharp political pieces and edits with a close eye on clarity and tone. Terry’s work is driven by strong storytelling, attention to detail, and a clear sense of purpose. He’s skilled in writing, editing, and project management — and always focused on getting the message right. You can find him on X at https://x.com/TerryNotTrump.

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