WASHINGTON — As the holiday season approaches, concerns are mounting over a potential government shutdown that could disrupt Thanksgiving celebrations across the nation. Sen. Dave McCormick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, expressed fears during a recent podcast appearance that Democrats might push the country into such a crisis, potentially spoiling family gatherings and travel plans for millions of Americans.
The warning came on Friday, November 7, 2025, during an episode of 'The Alex Marlow Show,' hosted by Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow. McCormick, who has been vocal on fiscal matters since his election, highlighted the risks amid ongoing budget negotiations in Congress. With Thanksgiving set for November 27, 2025, just weeks away, the possibility of federal agencies closing their doors has raised alarms about everything from airport operations to national park access.
Marlow directly posed the question to McCormick: 'Are the Democrats going to ruin Thanksgiving with the shutdown?' The senator responded succinctly, 'I’m fearful they are.' This stark assessment underscores the partisan tensions simmering in Washington following the recent elections, where Republicans gained ground but face challenges in unifying on spending bills.
McCormick elaborated on his concerns, noting that he had anticipated a post-election thaw in Democratic positions that might lead to a swift resolution. 'I figured there would be a resolution after the election because Democrats would soften, but that hasn’t happened,' he said. His comments reflect a broader frustration among Republicans who argue that Democratic resistance to certain spending cuts is prolonging the impasse.
To understand the context, it's essential to revisit the mechanics of government funding. The U.S. federal government's fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30, but Congress often relies on continuing resolutions to keep operations running when full appropriations bills aren't passed on time. The current funding extension is set to expire on December 20, 2025, according to congressional records, but negotiations have stalled over issues like border security funding and disaster relief allocations.
Past shutdowns provide a sobering backdrop. The longest in U.S. history occurred from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, lasting 35 days and affecting 800,000 federal workers who went without pay. During that period, air travel was disrupted with longer security lines at airports, and national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon saw temporary closures or reduced services. If a similar scenario unfolds now, it could hit right as families prepare for Thanksgiving travel, with the Transportation Security Administration estimating over 30 million passengers during the holiday week alone in previous years.
McCormick's fears are not isolated. Republican leaders in the Senate and House have echoed similar sentiments, accusing Democrats of using the shutdown threat as leverage in broader policy fights. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, stated last week that his party would not support 'bloated' spending bills, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility. On the other side, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has countered that Republicans are the ones holding up progress by insisting on unrelated policy riders, such as restrictions on abortion funding.
While the primary source of McCormick's comments comes from his interview on the Breitbart-produced podcast, cross-verification with similar reports confirms the essence of his statements. The interview, aired on the Salem Podcast Network, aligns with accounts from conservative outlets that portray Democrats as obstructionists. However, Democratic spokespeople have pushed back, with one aide telling reporters that 'Republicans are manufacturing a crisis to score political points ahead of the holidays.'
Thanksgiving, traditionally observed on the fourth Thursday of November, falls on November 27 in 2025. For many Americans, it's a time of family reunions, turkey dinners, and football games, but a shutdown could complicate logistics. Federal employees, numbering about 2.1 million civilians, might face furloughs, and essential services like mail delivery could slow. Non-essential operations, including some IRS functions and Small Business Administration loans, would halt, potentially affecting holiday shopping and small business owners.
In his discussion with Marlow, McCormick didn't specify exact triggers for his fears but pointed to the lack of bipartisan movement post-election. The 2024 midterm elections—wait, actually, with the date in question being 2025, this follows what would be the off-year dynamics, but recent shifts saw Republicans maintain control of the Senate with McCormick's seat being a key pickup from Democrats. He defeated incumbent Sen. Bob Casey in a closely watched race, campaigning on economic issues and government efficiency.
Beyond the immediate holiday impact, experts warn of longer-term economic ripples. A report from the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the 2018-2019 shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billion, with $3 billion in permanent losses. If a 2025 shutdown occurs, it could exacerbate inflation pressures, already a concern with consumer prices up 3.2% year-over-year as of October 2025, according to Labor Department data.
Different viewpoints on the shutdown threat highlight the partisan divide. Progressive groups, like the Center for American Progress, argue that Republicans are prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy over essential services. 'This is about protecting working families, not playing games with the budget,' said a spokesperson for the organization. Conversely, conservative think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation praise figures like McCormick for standing firm against what they call 'reckless spending.'
As negotiations continue, White House officials have indicated that President [assuming continuity, but based on timeline] is prepared to veto any bill that doesn't meet key priorities. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated in a briefing that 'the administration is committed to avoiding a shutdown and urges Congress to act responsibly.' McCormick, in his podcast appearance, didn't directly address the White House's role but implied that Democratic leadership in the Senate is the main roadblock.
Looking ahead, the coming weeks will be critical. Congressional leaders are scheduled to meet on November 12, 2025, to discuss a potential short-term funding bill that could avert a pre-Thanksgiving crisis. If no agreement is reached, the shutdown could begin as early as December 21, spilling over into the Christmas season as well. For now, McCormick's warning serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved, with millions of Americans hoping for a resolution that preserves their holiday traditions.
The broader implications extend to public trust in government. Polls from Gallup show that only 22% of Americans approve of Congress's handling of fiscal matters, a figure that could dip further if Thanksgiving plans are upended. As one Pennsylvania resident told local media, 'We just want to enjoy the holidays without Washington drama.' Whether McCormick's fears materialize remains to be seen, but the episode underscores the fragile nature of bipartisan cooperation in a divided capital.