Senator James Lankford, a Republican representing Oklahoma, addressed several issues on his social media account this week, including the ongoing government shutdown, campus antisemitism, and the anniversary of attacks in Israel.
On October 6, 2025, Lankford criticized Democratic lawmakers for their role in the continuing federal government shutdown. He stated, “This Monday is like Groundhog Day. We are on day six of the Schumer Shutdown. The reasons the Democrats give for shutting down the government are absurd. @SenateGOP is going to continue fighting to open the government for the American people. That’s What’s Moving on Monday.”
The following day, October 7, 2025, Lankford commented on recent incidents at the University of Oklahoma involving antisemitic messages. He wrote, “It’s heartbreaking and extremely troubling to see antisemitic messages displayed on the University of Oklahoma campus on the eve of the anniversary of the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Every student should feel safe on campus and not be faced with discrimination.”
Later that same day, Lankford reflected on violence in Israel by marking an anniversary related to Hamas attacks: “Two years ago, Hamas terrorists brutally attacked and murdered Israeli citizens. We continue to work towards peace and pray for an end to the war.”
Government shutdowns in recent years have often resulted from disagreements between congressional Republicans and Democrats over budget priorities and policy riders. Such shutdowns can impact federal services and employees nationwide.
Antisemitic incidents have been rising at U.S. universities in recent years according to multiple advocacy organizations. The events referenced by Senator Lankford occurred near a significant date: October 7 marks two years since Hamas militants launched a deadly attack against Israeli civilians—an event widely reported as one of the most violent days for Jews since World War II.
