Exclusive: Greg Casar on Shutdown, Trump, and the Fight for Workers

The Political Landscape and the Potential Government Shutdown

Representative Greg Casar, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is not concerned about his party being blamed for a potential government shutdown this week. Instead, he emphasizes that the Democratic Party must stand up and fight for its principles. In an exclusive interview with The News Pulse, Casar expressed his belief that the American public is aware of Donald Trump's policies increasing costs and his authoritarian tendencies. However, they are unclear about the Democrats' stance and whether the party is willing to take a stand.

The government is set to shut down at midnight on Wednesday unless a deal is reached between Democrats and Republicans. Currently, both sides seem stuck in an impasse. Democrats argue that since the GOP controls the House, Senate, and White House, they shouldn’t expect their party to rubber stamp any proposals from the Republicans. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and Republicans claim they are offering a clean funding bill, and they accuse Democrats of forcing a shutdown that will harm Americans.

A Critical Moment for Democrats

Casar sees the current situation as an opportunity for Democrats to highlight the changes Trump and Republicans are pushing through. He criticized Trump for putting Elon Musk in charge of nearly everything, suggesting that Musk’s actions could lead to significant cuts in government services. Casar believes Democrats need to draw a line and refuse to support such actions by Trump.

Musk, who led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) earlier this year, stepped away from his role in May. He had a public feud with Trump over the "One, Big Beautiful Bill," but the two billionaires have since appeared to mend their relationship. Casar highlighted the importance of standing firm against such influences and ensuring that the party focuses on the needs of working-class voters.

Focusing on Working-Class Voters

Casar argues that the Democratic Party must refocus its messaging to resonate with working-class voters. He pointed out that Trump’s budget would result in 15 million people losing health care, 20 million seeing their premiums nearly double, and others facing increased costs. Casar believes the party should clearly state its opposition to these policies and position itself as a pro-worker and anti-billionaire party.

He emphasized that the goal should be to run directly toward working people and earn back their trust. This approach, he said, is essential for winning in 2026 and 2028. Casar has joined Senator Bernie Sanders on several stops of his Fighting Oligarchy tour, including in swing states, to promote this message. He noted that even some independents and self-identified conservatives are beginning to see the truth in Sanders’ message.

The Role of Leadership and Reform

Casar criticized the Democratic leadership for not taking a stronger stance in previous shutdowns. He acknowledged that Senator Chuck Schumer faced backlash for allowing a Republican stopgap measure to pass in March. However, he believes Schumer is now more aligned with the party’s stance on standing up to Trump. Casar also expressed concerns about the aging leadership within the Democratic Party and suggested that the party needs to reform its selection process for leadership roles.

He pointed to recent changes, such as the election of younger leaders like Robert Garcia, as positive steps toward modernizing the party. Casar also discussed the significance of Texas Democrats standing up against gerrymandering, which he described as a critical moment in the fight against Trump’s power grabs.

Legislative Priorities and Future Challenges

Casar highlighted the importance of legislative efforts, such as the Block the Bombs Act, which the Progressive Caucus recently endorsed. He emphasized that this was a significant step for the party, showing a strong position against the continued use of military force in the Middle East. Additionally, he introduced the Stop AI Price Gouging and Wage Fixing Act, aiming to address the misuse of artificial intelligence in raising prices and lowering wages.

Casar also shared personal insights, revealing his commitment to mental health through activities like triathlons. He stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal well-being.

As the potential government shutdown looms, Casar remains focused on the need for the Democratic Party to stand firm and represent the interests of working-class Americans. His vision for the party includes a clear message of resistance against billionaire influence and a commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of everyday citizens.