In a recent interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, Vice President JD Vance revealed that during the 43-day government shutdown, he had numerous discussions with Democrats who felt "held hostage" by their party's far-left faction.
The shutdown, which ended when President Donald Trump signed a continuing resolution (CR) late Wednesday night, had been a point of contention among Senate Democrats, with five defying Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's stance and voting for the measure.
According to the Daily Caller, Vance shared his behind-the-scenes interactions with Democrats during the shutdown. He stated, "Privately we were having conversations all the time. And, frankly, privately, the Democrats would recognize the position of their far left was crazy. But they all feel a little bit like they are being held hostage by their far left."
Vance further suggested that Schumer's adamant opposition to the CR may have jeopardized his career, as he was seen as the main proponent of the government shutdown.
Following the resolution of the shutdown, a number of Democratic officials, candidates, and groups have called for Schumer's removal as the party's Senate leader. Despite this, Schumer did not support the CR that Trump eventually signed, choosing instead to lead his caucus in a continued holdout over expiring Obamacare subsidies.
Vance expressed his concern over the far-left's influence, stating, "So, the far left, they are never going to be satisfied unless the Democrats are willing to burn down the entire country. Luckily, there were a few moderate Democrats who allowed reason to prevail." He criticized the demands made by some Democrats during the shutdown as "crazy," citing their call for $1.5 trillion in funding, much of which was intended for healthcare benefits for illegal aliens.
The Vice President further elaborated on the Democrats' demands, saying, "They wanted us to undo all of the great border policy we have been doing. They wanted us to refund NPR and PBS. They were basically saying that we want the far left's priorities to dominate in the Trump administration, and unless that happens we are going to set the entire country on fire. A really disgraceful moment for the far left of the Democrats and, frankly, a very revealing moment for the American people."
Vance also highlighted the impact of the shutdown on everyday Americans, stating, "They were talking about, 'Give us $1.5 trillion for health care benefits for illegal aliens, and unless you do that we are going to make it impossible for you to fly home to see your family on Thanksgiving.' Its just craziness that that was ever their position, but it was."
When asked about the speed of the government's return to full operation, Vance admitted, "Its going to take a little bit of time to get everything fully up and running." He added that President Trump had chosen to sign the CR late Wednesday night to expedite the reopening of the government.
Vance concluded by contrasting the priorities of the Trump administration with those of the Democrats during the shutdown, stating, "The entire time the president, the entire administration, we were focused on getting the government turned back on, getting critical services actually funded so the government could function for the American people.
The Democrats were focused on, 'We want to take you hostage. We want to make it hard for you to get home to see your family on Thanksgiving so that we can give your health care benefits to illegal aliens.' What an incredible juxtaposition of priorities."
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