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Democratic Senator Andy Kim (N.J.) has signaled that he and his party are prepared to shut down the federal government in response to recent actions taken by President Trump’s administration. Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Kim stated that Democrats will not support funding the government if it enables what he described as unlawful conduct by the administration.
“I cannot support efforts that will continue this lawlessness that we’re seeing when it comes to this administration’s actions,” Kim said. “And for us to be able to support government funding in that way, only for them to turn it around and dismantle the government—that is not something that should be allowed.”
The remarks come as Democratic lawmakers grow increasingly frustrated with Trump’s latest policy moves, particularly his administration’s decision to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the controversial actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency led by Elon Musk.
DOGE recently gained access to the Treasury Department’s federal payment system, which handles $6 trillion annually and has direct access to Americans’ tax records.
Kim, a former national security official, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, describing it as a constitutional crisis.
“I’ve worked in government. I’ve worked through multiple government shutdowns. I would be the last person who would want to get to that stage, but we are at a point where we are basically on the cusp of a constitutional crisis,” Kim said.
“Seeing this administration taking steps that are so clearly illegal should concern everyone.”
Trump’s latest decisions, including his statements about taking control of Gaza, have only intensified criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Some have accused the president of attempting to carry out “ethnic cleansing” while using his administration’s domestic actions as a distraction from the growing controversy.
The president’s move to shut down USAID has sparked concerns over the future of American foreign aid, while the expansion of DOGE’s powers has drawn bipartisan scrutiny.
The agency, created under Trump’s directive to streamline government operations, has now taken control of several financial and bureaucratic functions that were previously managed by multiple departments. Critics argue that this consolidation of power lacks transparency and could lead to misuse of federal funds.
Kim pointed out that Republicans will need Democratic support to pass a government funding bill before the March deadline. Without bipartisan agreement, the government could face another shutdown, which would disrupt federal services and delay paychecks for government workers.
“In a few weeks, the Republicans are going to try to figure out how they move forward,” Kim said. “They have, for the last two years, needed Democratic votes for every single continuing resolution, and they should not count on that this time.”
Democrats see the looming funding negotiations as a critical leverage point to challenge the administration’s actions. Some within the party argue that refusing to approve government funding could be one of the few ways to push back against what they describe as Trump’s increasingly authoritarian approach.
Republicans, however, have downplayed the concerns raised by Democrats. White House officials defended DOGE’s expanded role, arguing that it will improve government efficiency and reduce waste.
They also dismissed fears about the agency’s access to the federal payment system, insisting that all transactions remain under strict oversight.
Trump, who has continued to rally his base with promises of cutting government red tape, has not directly commented on the possibility of a shutdown. Instead, he has focused on justifying his foreign policy stance, including his suggestion of U.S. involvement in Gaza.
His administration insists that its actions are necessary to ensure national security and economic stability.
Despite these assurances, Democrats remain unconvinced. Several lawmakers have called for investigations into DOGE’s operations, demanding more transparency regarding its financial management.
Meanwhile, progressive members of Congress have pushed for even stronger action, urging Democratic leaders to use every available tool to block what they see as overreach by the administration.
With the funding deadline approaching, both parties are preparing for a high-stakes showdown. If Democrats follow through on their threat to oppose a funding bill, it could trigger another government shutdown, affecting millions of Americans.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether bipartisan negotiations can avert a crisis or if political tensions will lead to yet another standoff in Washington.
