Top Democrat cheers Americans’ suffering as “leverage”

Top Democrat cheers Americans’ suffering as “leverage”Date/Source: October 22, 2025 — The White House ArticlesCore claim: The White House criticizes Democrats for viewing shutdown-related hardships as political leverage, highlighting a quote attributed to Rep. Katherine Clark about families suffering being “one of the few leverage times we have.”Described impacts: Unpaid federal workers; major airport delays; potential strain on WIC nutrition funding; small-business pressure; D.C. tourist site closures.Attributed quotes: Mentions remarks from Sens. Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, Martin Heinrich, two unnamed Democratic senators, and a senior Democratic aide to argue Democrats are using “leverage.”White House stance: Frames Democrats’ approach as inflicting “maximum pain” for political gain; contrasts with actions credited to President Trump to ensure troop pay and fund critical nutrition programs; calls for Democrats to end the shutdown.Note: Includes embedded social post referencing @WhipKClark and citations to external reporting.