Ex-Trump Official Blasts GOP for Failing Shutdown Fight

UPDATE: Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer has fiercely criticized Senate Republicans following the failure of a crucial bill that aimed to secure pay for military and federal workers amid the ongoing government shutdown. This urgent development was highlighted during his podcast on Friday, where Spicer expressed his dismay over the GOP’s handling of the situation.

“Senate Republicans should be embarrassed by how bad they’re messaging this,” Spicer stated, calling their response to the shutdown “literally the lamest response” he had ever seen. His comments come after Democrats blocked the Shutdown Fairness Act of 2025, introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). The bill fell short of the necessary 60 votes, with a final tally of 54-45.

The proposed legislation was designed to ensure continued pay for “excepted” federal employees, including active-duty military, TSA agents, park rangers, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol officers. Spicer emphasized the need for Republicans to take a stronger stand, suggesting they should have rallied with military members and Border Patrol agents on the steps of the Capitol.

“The idea that they voted and bolted is an embarrassment to the Republican Party,” Spicer added, underscoring the human impact of the shutdown on workers relying on their paychecks.

In response to the bill’s failure, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) dismissed it as a “ruse,” arguing it would grant undue authority to Donald Trump’s budget director, Russell Vought. “We will not give Donald Trump a license to play politics with people’s livelihoods,” Schumer asserted.

This situation remains critical as the government shutdown continues, impacting thousands of workers. The inability of Senate Republicans to effectively communicate their stance has stirred frustration among party members and former officials alike. As the shutdown persists, the pressure mounts on lawmakers to find a resolution quickly.

As this story develops, all eyes will be on the Senate to see if they can regroup and address the urgent needs of federal workers affected by this shutdown. Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds.