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 approach the debt ceiling in 2025.
They called for immediate action to resolve the looming fiscal crisis, urging an increase in the debt ceiling before President Joe Biden’s term ends.
Trump and Vance described the debt ceiling situation as “the most foolish and inept thing ever done by Congressional Republicans,” stressing the importance of addressing it now rather than under their incoming administration.
“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 criticized a proposed spending bill currently being debated in Congress, accusing it of including unnecessary provisions that favor Democrats. Trump and Vance highlighted what they called “sweetheart provisions” for government censors and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), along with a measure they claim 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 stated.
They also criticized the inclusion of a Congressional pay raise in the bill, arguing that it is inappropriate during a time when “many Americans are struggling this Christmas.”
Trump and Vance urged Congressional Republicans to pass a streamlined temporary funding bill focused on essential needs like disaster relief and agricultural support, while eliminating what they see as excessive Democratic priorities.
“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 rapidly approaching, the statement signals a contentious political battle that could shape the early days of the Trump-Vance administration.
