President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance issued a strongly worded joint statement Wednesday, criticizing Congressional Republicans for allowing the U.S. to hit the debt ceiling in 2025.
They also called for immediate action to resolve the looming fiscal crisis, advocating for an increase in the debt ceiling during the final days of President Joe Biden’s administration.
Trump and Vance labeled the debt ceiling situation “the most foolish and inept thing ever done by Congressional Republicans,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing it now rather than under their incoming administration.
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“Increasing the debt ceiling is not great, but we’d rather do it on Biden’s watch,” the statement read. “If Democrats won’t cooperate on the debt ceiling now, what makes anyone think they would do it in June during our administration? Let’s have this debate now.”
The statement also attacked the proposed spending bill currently under debate in Congress, accusing it of including unnecessary provisions that favor Democrats. Trump and Vance took aim at allocations they described as “sweetheart provisions” for government censors and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), as well as a measure they say would shield records from the January 6 committee.
“This bill would make it easier to hide the records of the corrupt January 6 committee—which accomplished nothing for the American people and hid security failures that happened that day,” they said.
The duo also criticized the inclusion of a Congressional pay raise in the bill, arguing that it is out of touch during a time when “many Americans are struggling this Christmas.”
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Trump and Vance urged Congressional Republicans to pass a streamlined temporary funding bill that avoids what they see as excessive Democratic priorities, while also addressing essential needs like disaster relief and agricultural support.
“Republicans want to support our farmers, pay for disaster relief, and set our country up for success in 2025,” the statement continued. “The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling. Anything else is a betrayal of our country.”
With the spending deadline fast approaching, the statement sets the stage for a heated political showdown that could impact the early days of the Trump-Vance administration.
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