Jasmine Crockett calls out Republicans for hiding from voters as budget cut backlash grows louder.NH
Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Texas accused Republican lawmakers of ignoring their own constituents regarding federal budget cuts on Saturday, claiming Democrats are now “carrying the load” for voters across party lines.
Newsweek reached out to Crockett via email on Saturday for additional comment.
The Context
Speaking on MSNBC‘s The Katie Phang Show, Crockett alleged GOP lawmakers are only answering to President Donald Trump and Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) while avoiding town halls with constituents.
Republican leadership has reportedly advised lawmakers against holding town halls after several contentious public meetings where constituents expressed frustration over federal program reductions.
What To Know
Crockett directly addressed Republican avoidance of constituent engagement: “We know the Republicans have decided that they don’t want to answer to their constituents. They put out official guidance saying, do not go home and do town halls.”
She referenced reports that Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, met with fellow GOP lawmakers and discouraged town halls as Trump and DOGE continue implementing massive federal cuts.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has also publicly questioned the value of holding town halls, characterizing protestors as “professionals.”
Trump’s administration and DOGE have removed tens of thousands of federal workers while rapidly dismantling government programs in what they describe as an effort to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Republicans now face the challenge of defending budget cuts they have long advocated for but rarely implemented, particularly as these reductions impact their own constituents.
Texas Republican Congressman Keith Self faced jeers and “Vote you out!” chants recently during a town hall in his district, which has been under GOP control since 1968. Self has echoed Trump’s claims that the protesters are paid Democratic activists.
What People Are Saying
Rep. Jasmine Crockett on The Katie Phang Show: “So right now the Democrats are carrying the load for not only our constituency, but for theirs too because clearly they don’t have the answers for their constituents… They only have decided that they’re going answer to Elon Musk and Donald Trump.”
President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform: “Paid ‘troublemakers’ are attending Republican Town Hall Meetings. It is all part of the game for the Democrats, but just like our big LANDSLIDE ELECTION, it’s not going to work for them!”
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson: “We’ve seen this movie before. They’re professional protesters. So why would we give them a forum to do that right now?”
Republican Rep. Keith Self: “Disruptive Democrats are fomenting outrage with the same old tired scare tactics. But the TRUTH is on our side. Over 77 million Americans voted for President Trump’s agenda.”
Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: “We don’t need paid protestors. The American people are with us.”
US Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) speaks during a “Oversight and Government Reform” hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, on February 12… | ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP via Getty Images/ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
What Happens Next
The effects of DOGE’s budget cuts are expected to persist, with additional job losses anticipated as the budget deadline looms this month.
Democrats remain “united” on the budget according to Crockett, while Republicans continue to face criticism for their approach to constituent concerns.
