Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) reversed course on his stance regarding a government shutdown after being confronted with past statements contradicting his current position. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Murphy defended Democrats’ initial push to block the GOP-backed spending bill, arguing that Americans “would have understood” why Democrats forced a shutdown.
However, NBC host Kristen Welker challenged Murphy by airing multiple clips from 2019 and 2023 in which he warned about the severe consequences of shutdowns. In those clips, Murphy stated that shutdowns have “enormous ramifications” and are difficult to justify.
When pressed on the apparent contradiction, Murphy adjusted his response, saying, “I don’t think Americans would have understood, but they would have understood why we got there.” He blamed Republicans for allegedly refusing to negotiate with Democrats, adding that “never before has a spending bill been written by only one party.”
Murphy’s comments come amid broader Democratic shifts on key procedural issues, including the filibuster and shutdowns, as they navigate a divided Congress under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
Despite some Democrats’ initial opposition to the spending bill, the measure ultimately passed the Senate in a 62-38 vote, with ten Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, joining Republicans to advance it.
The shift has sparked internal division within the Democratic Party, with some members calling for new Senate leadership. Murphy acknowledged that voting against the bill posed a political risk but argued that Democrats need to take more aggressive stances. “I think the American public right now wants us to stand up, Democrats, to stand up and take some risks,” he said.
Murphy also framed the issue in broader terms, stating that President Trump’s actions justified a break from traditional governance.
“Every single day, the president is engaging in exceptional tactics in risk-tolerant behavior,” he said. “I don’t think you save the republic and save our democracy by playing it straight and maintaining norms when the president is shattering them every single day.”
Chris Murphy's reaction to historically low polling for the Democrat Party is to double down on what got them here.
The Democrats won't win an election for decades if they continue toward 0% approval. pic.twitter.com/CRtWgCno1T
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 16, 2025