Oklahoma Senator says Schumer’s “fear of AOC” driving shutdown stalemate
Washington, D.C. — Day 5 of the Government Shutdown
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin blasted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, blaming him and Senate Democrats for what he called “intentional sabotage” of the government and the American people.
Mullin characterized the ongoing funding impasse as a direct result of Schumer’s political fears rather than policy differences. “This is what happens when you have a career politician in office,” Mullin said. “He’s afraid Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will primary him in 2028, so he’s holding the government hostage.”
A Battle Over Immigration and Spending
Mullin accused Schumer of pushing to reinstate benefits for millions of undocumented immigrants, arguing that the proposed $1.5 trillion in spending reverses necessary cuts. “They’re trying to ensure healthcare for illegals while Americans are struggling,” he said, referring to what he called “waste, fraud, and abuse” eliminated in the GOP-backed funding bill.
According to Mullin, the same continuing resolution (CR) Democrats now reject had previously passed multiple times with Schumer’s support. “He voted for it four other times,” Mullin noted, “but now his politics are different.”
Power Shift to the Executive Branch
The Oklahoma senator warned that the shutdown — which he dubbed “The Chuck Schumer Shutdown” — hands excessive authority to the executive branch. “During a shutdown, the President has unilateral authority to deem agencies essential or non-essential,” Mullin explained. “Democrats say they’re fighting for workers, but they’ve given away congressional power to the White House.”
He further emphasized that under the Biden administration, “most agencies grew by over 100%,” calling the federal workforce “bloated” and defending proposed 10% staffing cuts as “a step toward efficiency.”
Defending Trump’s Fiscal Approach
Mullin dismissed criticism from Democrats like Senator Dick Durbin, who accused President Trump of “punishing blue states” through selective budget freezes. “Democrats forget it was Biden who cut red-state projects like the Keystone Pipeline,” he countered. “Trump’s administration is focused on growing the entire economy, not picking winners and losers.”
Support from the Military
In closing, Mullin shared praise from service members reacting to recent remarks by Secretary of War Pete Hegs. “They loved hearing a leader stand up for warfighters and hold generals accountable,” Mullin said. “It reminded them that standards, discipline, and fitness apply to everyone — no exceptions.”
As the government shutdown enters its fifth day, Mullin reiterated his belief that “the madness must end,” urging Democrats to return to what he called “clean, common-sense funding solutions” rather than “political theater.”
