James E. Clyburn, U.S. Congressman representing South Carolina’s 6th district since 1993, posted a series of statements on his Twitter account criticizing former President Donald Trump and Republican leaders over the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on Americans.
On November 5, 2025, Clyburn wrote: “Trump is now essentially admitting Republicans are being blamed for the shutdown.
That’s no surprise. When you’re refusing to meet with Dems to work out a bipartisan deal to open the government and address skyrocketing health care costs, Americans aren’t going to be happy.”
Later that day, he commented on the duration and effects of the shutdown: “This government shutdown is now the longest in American history.
Federal employees are still furloughed or working without pay, funding for essential programs has run out, and 20 million Americans are staring down health care premiums that have doubled.
And what is the”
On November 6, Clyburn addressed recent developments regarding food assistance benefits: “Yesterday Trump said he’d violate court orders and continue holding SNAP benefits hostage, forcing Americans to go hungry.
Thankfully, members of his own administration ignored his rant and are issuing partial payments as directed by courts.
Trump is out of control.”
Jim Clyburn was born in Sumter, South Carolina in 1940 and currently resides in Columbia. He graduated from South Carolina State University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Since succeeding Robin Tallon in Congress more than three decades ago, Clyburn has become a prominent figure within Democratic leadership.
The current government shutdown referenced by Clyburn marks an unprecedented period in U.S. history for its length. During such shutdowns, federal workers often face furloughs or work without pay while many public services are disrupted and vital programs experience lapses in funding.
