Senator Josh Hawley sharply criticized Democratic leadership for internal divisions during the recent 42-day government shutdown, arguing that party disagreements over spending and immigration priorities exacerbated hardship for millions of Americans. Hawley shared a Fox News clip highlighting the effects of the longest U.S. shutdown in history, which began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass funding bills.

“The Democrats are tearing each other apart because they didn’t inflict ENOUGH pain during this government shutdown,” Hawley said. “Tell that to our military, law enforcement, and air traffic controllers going WITHOUT pay for 42 days.”

During the shutdown, 42 million Americans temporarily lost access to SNAP food assistance, hundreds of thousands of federal employees—including members of the military and air traffic controllers—remained unpaid, and veterans faced delays in healthcare services. Hawley accused Democrats of prioritizing benefits for undocumented immigrants over American workers and families.

The shutdown concluded after a bipartisan Senate bill passed on November 10, 2025, with House approval pending. Reactions to Hawley’s social media post were sharply divided along partisan lines. Supporters praised his critique of Democratic leadership, while opponents noted that lawmakers, including Hawley, continued receiving their salaries during the furlough period.

Hawley’s statements underscore the political tension surrounding the 2025 shutdown, highlighting disagreements over federal spending, immigration policy, and the prioritization of public benefits amid a prolonged lapse in government operations. The episode has prompted renewed debate over the use of shutdowns as a legislative tool and their real-world consequences for federal employees and the public.