Vance Says Schumer Feared AOC Primary, Blames Schumer Wing for Shutdown
Vice President J.D. Vance blamed the government shutdown on Democrats and said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is "terrified" of a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, arguing that fear led the Schumer wing of the party to oppose funding. Vance warned the shutdown was already having operational effects — saying troops would not be paid starting that day and that food assistance and flood insurance were threatened — and attributed responsibility to the "Chuck Schumer wing" of the Democratic Party.
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🔍 Key Facts
- Vice President Vance said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is "terrified" of a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and blamed the "Chuck Schumer wing" of the Democratic Party for causing the government shutdown.
- Vance was quoted directly saying: "Chuck Schumer is terrified he’s going to get a primary challenge from Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez."
- Vance warned the shutdown would cause troops to stop receiving pay starting that day.
- He said the shutdown threatened food assistance programs.
- He said the shutdown also threatened flood insurance.
📍 Contextual Background
- Republicans and Democrats were engaged in negotiations over government funding ahead of an upcoming funding deadline described as occurring on a Tuesday.
📰 Sources (2)
Vance blames Schumer's fear of AOC primary challenge as shutdown cause
New information:
- Vance explicitly said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is 'terrified' of a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and framed that fear as the political cause of the shutdown.
- Direct, attributable quote from Vice President Vance stating: 'Chuck Schumer is terrified he’s going to get a primary challenge from Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez.'
- Vance repeated operational consequences tied to the shutdown (troops not getting paid starting that day; threats to food assistance and flood insurance) while attributing responsibility specifically to the 'Chuck Schumer wing' of the Democratic Party.