Washington, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday, attributing the recent government shutdown to Schumer’s demands regarding immigration policies. Vance argued that Senate Democrats were prioritizing benefits for undocumented immigrants over the needs of American citizens.

The federal government ceased operations at midnight after failed negotiations centered on a proposed $1.5 trillion package, which included funding for free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and medical care for minors seeking gender transition. Polls indicate that a significant majority of voters, including nearly half of Democrats, opposed a government shutdown as a tactic to advance these policies.

During an interview with Newsmax, Vance referenced a past video showing Schumer criticizing benefits for undocumented immigrants in the 1990s, which Schumer labeled as “fraud in immigration.” Vance pointed out the contradiction in Schumer’s current stance, stating, “He wants to shut down the government unless we reward illegal aliens for breaking the law.”

Vance further articulated that he believes Democratic leaders seem to equate compassion for illegal immigrants with compassion for all, neglecting the needs of American citizens. “The American people’s government exists for the American people,” he declared, emphasizing that those with the legal right to be in the country should be the focus.

During the discussion, Vance noted a stark shift in the Democratic Party’s approach to immigration issues. He suggested that both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama had previously held more conservative views on the topic. Vance expressed concern that the party’s current direction could be detrimental to its political future and the nation at large.

He was particularly scathing regarding Schumer’s apparent fear of a primary challenge from progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “Chuck Schumer is listening to the far-left radicals in his party because he’s terrified of a primary challenge,” Vance claimed, highlighting what he sees as the influences driving the Democratic agenda.

Addressing the reasons behind the government shutdown, Vance stated, “One answer is that they want to give healthcare benefits to illegal aliens,” referring to legislative proposals that had previously been voted on favorably. He urged Schumer and moderate Democrats to collaborate with Republicans to reopen the government and make necessary corrections to healthcare policy for American citizens.

As discussions continue about how to resolve the impasse, Vance remains firm in his position that the focus should return to the American people, urging leaders to prioritize citizens over undocumented immigrants. The ongoing standoff reflects broader divisions within U.S. politics around immigration and healthcare financing, setting the stage for future debates as both parties seek to position themselves ahead of upcoming elections.