Greg Casar on Government Shutdown: Why the Progressive Leader Says Democrats Must Stand Up to Trump

Representative Greg Casar is urging Democrats to resist pressure as a potential U.S. government shutdown looms this week. The Texas Democrat, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, says his party must fight Donald Trump’s agenda and focus on working-class Americans.

The government is set to shut down at midnight Wednesday if no funding deal is reached. Democrats and Republicans remain deeply divided. Trump and GOP leaders argue they have offered a “clean” funding bill, while Democrats accuse Republicans of pushing harmful cuts and power grabs.

Greg Casar’s Message on the Shutdown and Trump

Casar told Newsweek that Democrats should not fear blame if a shutdown occurs. Instead, he believes this is a defining moment to stand firm. “People across the country know Donald Trump is raising costs and wants to act basically like a dictator,” he said. “But they don’t know if Democrats are willing to stand and fight.”

He criticized Trump’s budget, warning it could lead to 15 million people losing health care and 20 million more seeing premiums nearly double. Casar said Democrats must reject what he calls “arbitrary shutdowns of government services” and cuts to health care access.

Casar also called out Trump’s reliance on billionaires like Elon Musk, who briefly led the Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year. “Trump put Elon Musk basically in charge of almost everything, while Musk waved a chain saw around showing what he wants to do to the government,” Casar said.

Focus on Working-Class Voters

Casar argues Democrats must rebuild trust with working people ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race. He believes the party needs to embrace an “anti-billionaire, pro-worker” message and stop avoiding direct confrontation with powerful figures. “We need to be known as a pro-worker and anti-billionaire party,” he said.

He urged Democrats to run on bread-and-butter issues: fair wages, affordable health care, lower costs, and stronger unions. Casar also warned that voters have seen Democrats as too “mild” or distracted by niche issues, while everyday concerns have been overshadowed.

Casar has been campaigning in both swing states and conservative districts alongside Senator Bernie Sanders. He says more voters—including independents and some conservatives—are now receptive to a populist economic message. “Maybe they weren’t on board with Bernie’s message a few years ago, but now they can see he was telling the truth,” Casar said.

Party Reform and Younger Leadership

The 36-year-old lawmaker also criticized the Democratic Party’s traditional seniority-based leadership system. He praised moves to elevate younger leaders like Representative Robert Garcia, who now heads Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. Casar said the party needs to pick the “best person for the job” rather than just the longest-serving member.

Casar believes this shift is key to fighting Trump’s influence and showing voters the party can adapt. “We’ve got to massively reform the Democratic Party,” he said, arguing the average voter no longer sees Democrats as the party of working people.

As the shutdown deadline nears, Casar insists Democrats must stand firm against Trump’s budget and power plays. He believes that showing real courage now could help rebuild trust with working Americans—and reshape the party’s future.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Greg Casar’s position on the government shutdown?

He urges Democrats to oppose Trump’s budget and not fear blame for a shutdown.

Q2: How does Greg Casar view Donald Trump’s policies?

He says Trump is raising costs, taking health care away, and empowering billionaires like Elon Musk.

Q3: What does Casar say Democrats need to focus on?

He wants Democrats to prioritize working-class issues like wages, health care, and lower costs.

Q4: Why does Casar push for younger Democratic leadership?

He believes the party must pick leaders for talent and courage, not just seniority.

Q5: How could this shutdown fight impact 2026 and 2028 elections?

Casar says a strong pro-worker stance now could help Democrats regain voter trust.

References

Newsweek. (2025). “Greg Casar on Government Shutdown, Trump and Fighting for the Working Class.” September 29, 2025.

Reuters. (2025). “U.S. government faces shutdown as deadline nears.” September 28, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). “Democrats, Trump spar over shutdown threat.” September 29, 2025.