SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who has represented Missouri’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress since 2005, used social media on October 8, 2025, to criticize President Trump and House Republicans over a government shutdown and rising health care costs.

In his first post of the day, Cleaver stated, "For the past seven days, President Trump and Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to forge a bipartisan deal that will reopen the government and lower health care costs. It’s hurting hardworking Americans in Kansas City and across the country." The congressman, who currently resides in Kansas City, referenced the impact of the impasse on both his constituents and citizens nationwide.

Later that afternoon, Cleaver commented on congressional activity by writing, "House Republicans being on vacation for the past 3 weeks probably isn’t helping. Republicans must return to Washington, sit down with Democrats, and negotiate a bipartisan solution that will reopen government and prevent healthcare costs from skyrocketing on American families." This statement reiterated his call for legislative action to address ongoing federal operations and healthcare expenses.

In an evening post on October 8th, Cleaver expanded his criticism to law enforcement tactics under the Trump administration: "ICE is shooting ministers with pepper balls, the president is sending troops into American cities, and American citizens are being unlawfully detained. This administration has been out of control for months—and it’s about time Republicans stood up for the Constitution."

Cleaver's comments come amid heightened tensions over a government shutdown that began after failed negotiations between congressional leaders. Historically, disagreements over budget allocations or policy priorities have led to such shutdowns when Congress cannot pass appropriations bills or continuing resolutions to fund federal agencies. Government shutdowns typically result in furloughs for federal employees and disruptions in public services.

Emanuel Cleaver was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and earned a BS from Prairie View A&M University in 1972 before beginning his political career. He succeeded Karen McCarthy as representative of Missouri’s 5th district in 2005.