SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 5th district since 2005, posted a series of statements on August 21, 2025, addressing economic issues, historical narratives, and election security.

In his first post at 17:31 UTC, Cleaver criticized the economic approach of former President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers. He wrote, "This Cost of Living Week of Action, we’re calling it like it is. This is the Trump-Republican business model: make the rich richer on the backs of working families. Prices are up and families are feeling the financial squeeze."

Later that day at 18:48 UTC, Cleaver commented on debates surrounding the Smithsonian Institution and its role in American history. He stated, "The Smithsonian is not ‘out of control’ – it’s doing its job: telling the whole story, warts and all. But Trump’s agenda to scrub away slavery and painful truths is a political attack on history itself. We won’t let him rewrite it to serve his politics."

At 19:52 UTC, Cleaver addressed concerns about threats to election officials following unsubstantiated claims about election fraud in recent years. He posted, "Trump’s Big Lie didn’t just attack the truth, it threatened the people who make our elections run. Election officials face harassment and burnout. Without them, the security of every future election and democracy is at risk."

Cleaver has represented Missouri's 5th District for two decades after succeeding Karen McCarthy in Congress in 2005. Born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently residing in Kansas City at age 78, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M University earned in 1972.