Mark Warner Refuses to Join Shutdown Talks, Says Only Trump Can End the Standoff

For years, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) was the guy who showed up whenever the Senate needed a dealmaker. From helping end the 2018 funding lapse to cutting the bipartisan infrastructure deal under Joe Biden, Warner was always in the room. But as the government shutdown drags past 30 days, the Virginia Democrat is sitting this one out.

It’s a surprising move for a senator long seen as a “bipartisan gang” regular who often hosted cross-party gatherings at his Alexandria home. Warner also represents a state with one of the highest numbers of federal workers—people hit hardest when Washington grinds to a halt.

According to a report by Politico, Warner and fellow Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine are sticking with their party’s line: blasting Republicans for blocking bills that would extend key health-care subsidies and fund programs like food assistance.

“He’s always been one of those guys who says, ‘I’ll be part of any gang,’” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.). “I think he’s just really frustrated with what’s happening to Virginians.”

Warner insists this shutdown is different. He believes only President Donald Trump has the power to end it. Speaking to reporters this week alongside Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Warner said that while she could negotiate freely, others “would have to get a permission slip.”

“I really do think, unlike in the past, you’ve got to get the president deeply engaged,” Warner said.

His office confirmed he’s not part of any active talks, citing his focus on a separate bipartisan push for cryptocurrency regulation—and his conviction that the shutdown ends only when Trump decides to act.

That stance reflects the Senate’s hardened partisan lines during Trump’s second term. Republicans have repeatedly sidelined Democrats, passing major bills along party lines and daring Democrats to block them. In March, they drafted their own short-term funding bill; Warner and Kaine opposed it, calling it a “blank check to Donald Trump and Elon Musk to continue attacking the federal workforce.”

Warner has since voted against multiple GOP-backed funding patches, including the latest one to keep the government open until November 21. Kaine said constituents are angry but supportive: “They’re saying it’s time somebody stood up to this guy.”

Although Warner faces reelection next year, analysts say he’s in little danger of losing his seat. Still, the 70-year-old senator isn’t taking chances. His campaign has leaned into the fight, portraying him as one of Trump’s “top targets.”

“I’m doing everything I can to stop Trump and his unelected co-president from overhauling the federal government to enrich themselves,” Warner wrote in a recent fundraising message.

Warner has also become one of Trump’s fiercest critics on Capitol Hill. As the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, he blasted the administration for briefing only Republicans on recent military operations, calling the shift in tone between Trump’s first and second terms “night and day.”

Virginia political analyst Bob Holsworth said Warner’s more combative approach reflects broader changes in the state’s politics. “Virginia now clearly tilts blue,” he said. “Warner’s adapting to that reality.”

The senator has also taken his message online, joining a digital push led by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to make Democrats more active on social media. In one recent video, Warner debunked what he called “Republican lies” about the shutdown in under 90 seconds. When GOP aides floated rumors that he might cave, Warner shot back on X: “Not caving.”

Rep. Beyer predicted Warner’s stance will only strengthen his position at home. “They’re never going to blame him for the shutdown,” he said. “Republicans have the White House, they have the Senate, they have the House. He’s been part of our state’s leadership for a generation.”

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Joseph Johnson

They say not everyone has the gift of gab to be able to talk about politics in the correct light - but Joseph is the perfect mix between a healthy critic, and a realist cynic. His unique personality works wonders at political discussions which are bound to cause a stir. He is an intellectual with many years of experience in the field, and his work is a reflection of his dedication to making political scenarios common knowledge among the citizens of the nation.

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