Pelosi rebukes reporter over AOC shutdown role claim
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sharply rebuked a reporter Wednesday after being asked whether Republican lawmakers should negotiate the ongoing federal government shutdown directly with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Pelosi dismissed the notion that AOC is 'directing' negotiations, saying Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is leading Democrats' talks with Republicans and calling the suggestion 'ridiculous,' while referencing AOC's recent MSNBC comment inviting GOP members to her office.
Politics
Government
🔍 Key Facts
- Nancy Pelosi publicly told a reporter, 'Why are you saying such a ridiculous thing?' after being asked if AOC is driving shutdown talks.
- Pelosi said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is directing Democratic negotiations with Republicans.
- The exchange follows Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez telling Republicans on MSNBC that her office is open for direct negotiations.
📍 Contextual Background
- The United States federal government entered a partial shutdown on 2025-10-01 after the midnight funding deadline passed with Democrats and Republicans failing to agree on a funding bill.
- A continuing resolution (CR) is a temporary funding measure used by the U.S. Congress to keep federal agencies operating while House and Senate negotiators complete annual appropriations for a fiscal year.