NEW YORK, United States (CMC) – Prominent Caribbean-American Democratic leaders have squarely placed the blame for the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown on President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Brooklyn representative and daughter of Jamaican immigrants, articulated the frustration felt by many in her community during a statement to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
Clarke accused the Trump administration of systematically undermining the nation’s affordability, equity, and core values since taking office. She described the government shutdown as the inevitable result of these efforts, emphasizing that the American public is fully aware of the Republicans’ control over the House, Senate, and White House. She stressed that the responsibility to fund the government lies with the majority party.
The congresswoman criticized the GOP for failing to engage in meaningful dialogue with Democratic leaders, instead resorting to divisive and racially charged rhetoric on social media. Clarke, who also chairs the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), vowed that Democrats would remain united in their opposition to Republican policies that threaten healthcare access and increase financial burdens on working families.
Clarke highlighted the healthcare crisis exacerbated by proposed cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, warning that Black communities would bear the brunt of these policies. She reiterated the CBC’s commitment to opposing any spending bill that jeopardizes healthcare for millions, eliminates federal jobs, or raises living costs for working-class Americans.