GOP Senator Predicts Deadline for Government Shutdown to End
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin believes the weeks-long federal government shutdown could come to a close by midweek — but not before Democrats finish their political maneuvering.
In an interview with Fox News host Kellyanne Conway, Mullin said Democrats are waiting until after Tuesday’s high-stakes elections before they end the standoff, predicting a reopening “Wednesday or Thursday.”
“Where they went through the rally they realize that their base was only more dog in so now. What the Democrats are literally tell us telling us this. They plan on shut, open it back out, probably Wednesday or Thursday after the after the the election after they elect a communist in New York to be the mayor after the New Jersey’s governor toro race, Virginia governor’s race they’re, going to come out, they’re going to look for an exit ramp because they know their lose and shoot,” Mullin said.
According to the Oklahoma senator, Democrats are fully aware that the shutdown is politically damaging — even among their own voters.
“Even CNN’s polls are showing that the that this isn’t good for them. They, they American people, have already been exposed to. You know Congress, one Clark or congresswoman Clark by saying that this is a leverage point for them. He had yeah Chuck Schumer saver days, getting better for them,” he continued.
Mullin went on to cite comments from multiple Democrat senators, including Chris Coons and Bernie Sanders, who he said have admitted that the shutdown is being used as “leverage” in negotiations.
“Head, centered or coons from Delaware goes out and says it’s uncomfortable. But it’s leverage point in even Bernie Sanders goes out and says they can’t open it back up because they lose leverage, but they also know that need to exit ramps,” Mullin said.
The senator predicts Democrats will try to spin their eventual retreat as taking “the high road,” blaming President Donald J. Trump and Republicans in Congress before quietly reopening the government.
“So after the election, Kelly and they’re going to come out in at that point, you’re going to go out there and well that they’re gonna take the high road, they’re going to try spinning and on President Trump and the Republicans and after they get on talk in their way. Out of, I don’t know themselves, they’re gonna, eventually open it up, probably Thursday, I’d say midday,” Mullin said.
Among the key races taking place Tuesday are the New York City mayoral election, along with gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia. California voters will also weigh in on Proposition 50, a Democrat-backed redistricting measure.
“My opinion is: They’re setting everything up for this week. They know they’ve got to get out,” Mullin said. “If they do it before Tuesday, then their base may not show up because it looks like they caved.”
Mullin believes Election Day itself will serve as a turning point.
“That’s why they’re setting everything up to open next week. We’ll be open Wednesday, or Wednesday night, or Thursday,” he predicted.
Meanwhile, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien joined Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outside the White House Thursday, calling on Senate Democrats to end the standoff.
“Pass a clean CR, get to the table, negotiate a deal. Do not put working people in the middle of a problem. They should not be in there,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien, who leads the 1.4 million-member International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said the ongoing shutdown is devastating working families and the aviation sector.
“Think about when you have to tell your son or daughter they can’t play sports because you’re not getting paid. Think about when you can’t pay your mortgage. Think about when you can’t pay your tuition,” he said.
With the shutdown now entering its second month, federal programs like SNAP remain suspended, and air traffic controllers are warning of dangerous staffing shortages.
If Mullin’s prediction holds, Americans may see the government reopen this week — just as Democrats finish their election push and search for that elusive “exit ramp.”