SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Missouri’s 5th district since 2005, criticized recent Republican policies and actions by former President Trump in a series of posts on July 24, 2025.

In one post, Cleaver questioned the impact of cutting early education programs for low-income families: Tell me again how robbing low-income kids and vulnerable families of early education helps put “families first”? Trump’s contempt for the law – and for working families – couldn’t be clearer. (July 24, 2025)

Addressing broader economic concerns later that day, Cleaver stated: If you’ve wondered why it feels so hard to afford life right now, here’s your answer: The Republican agenda is designed to protect the rich – even if it means cutting your health care, your benefits, and your children’s education. (July 24, 2025)

Cleaver also raised concerns about government staffing changes at the Social Security Administration: "They are in a deep hole of their own creation on staffing and so you just don't have enough people to go around to serve the public" The president's firing of hardworking civil servants at the Social Security Administration is already hurting services. (July 24, 2025)

Cleaver has represented Missouri's 5th District since succeeding Karen McCarthy in 2005. He was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently resides in Kansas City. Cleaver earned his BS from Prairie View A&M University in 1972.