Democrats’ Stalemate: Fearing Progressive Backlash as Shutdown Drags On

By Newsmax Wires | Wednesday, 08 October 2025 08:20 PM EDT
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., accused Senate Democrats of intentionally delaying government funding votes to avoid backlash from progressive activists organizing a nationwide “No Kings” protest. The rally is scheduled for Oct. 18, Mullin told Newsmax on Wednesday.

“The problem that you have … is you have Marxists and jihadists running the Democrat Party today,” Mullin said during an appearance on “Carl Higbie FRONTLINE.” He claimed the party has shifted from its historical roots, stating, “This is not the Democrat Party of JFK anymore. This is extremist.”

Mullin criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for yielding to pressure from the party’s far-left wing and alleged that Democrats are blocking a clean continuing resolution for political reasons rather than policy concerns. He emphasized that the proposed funding measure mirrors one passed a year ago under President Joe Biden, asserting, “What’s changed is, in March the party got taken over by this Marxist and jihadist group.”

The shutdown entered its eighth day as both parties exchanged blame. Mullin noted some Democrats privately expressed willingness to support reopening the government but feared repercussions from the “No Kings” movement, an anti-President Donald Trump coalition planning rallies nationwide. “They’re afraid that if they come out and vote for it before that, they would be chastised and cause themselves a lot of problems,” he said.

Mullin argued the delay has no connection to American interests, adding that Schumer could end the impasse by allowing free voting. “There’s plenty of Democrats that actually want to reopen the government,” Mullin concluded.