Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, has used his social media platform to criticize Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats regarding the ongoing federal government shutdown. In a series of posts on October 9, 2025, Mullin highlighted the effects of the shutdown and attributed responsibility to Schumer and his party.
On October 9, 2025, Mullin posted, “Chuck “every day gets better” Schumer is afraid of his own shadow. Activists are pressuring him to hold the Schumer Shutdown until after the “No Kings” Day protests on Oct 18th. Military families will go without pay— 100% because of Schumer. It’s awful.”
Later that day, Mullin provided an update on Senate proceedings, stating, “Update: Senate Democrats just blocked our *seventh* attempt to end the Schumer Shutdown and re-open the federal government. Vote: 54-45. Needs 60 votes.” This message referred to the Senate’s repeated failure to pass a measure that would reopen the government, which requires a 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster.
In another post on the same day, Mullin wrote, “Schumer Shutdown: Day 9. @SenSchumer said the quiet part out loud: “every day gets better for us.” Meanwhile, American military families will soon be turning to food banks over missed paychecks. Here’s what you need to know. “
The ongoing government shutdown has resulted in missed paychecks for federal employees, including members of the military. During previous shutdowns, reports have shown that some military families have had to rely on food banks and other assistance due to delayed payments. The legislative process for ending a shutdown often requires bipartisan cooperation in the Senate, as most measures need at least 60 votes to advance.
