St. Paul Reporter

Betty McCollum, a longstanding representative of Minnesota’s 4th district in the U.S. Congress, has recently voiced her concerns on social media regarding actions taken by former President Donald Trump and his administration. McCollum, who has been serving since 2001 after succeeding Bruce Vento, has consistently used her platform to address issues affecting her constituents and the nation.

On May 9, 2025, McCollum expressed disapproval over Trump's immigration policies that she claims target specific communities. She highlighted an incident involving "Trump’s return to extreme immigration actions includes targeting Hmong & Lao Minnesotans." She mentioned the detention of a Hmong refugee whose father was an ally to Americans during the secret war in Laos, vowing to continue opposing what she describes as Trump's illegal acts.

The following day, May 10, 2025, McCollum criticized federal grant cuts impacting local educational institutions. She emphasized the importance of the Science Museum in Saint Paul for community learning experiences. In her tweet, she stated "the Trump Administration's reckless federal grant cuts will set back several key projects at this beloved Saint Paul treasure."

Later on May 10, McCollum addressed another decision by Trump concerning Dr. Carla Hayden's dismissal from her position as Librarian of Congress. Expressing her dissatisfaction with this move, she tweeted "Dr. Carla Hayden has earned bipartisan respect as Librarian of Congress." McCollum urged Congress to hold Trump accountable for what she termed a shameful attack on both Dr. Hayden and the independent library system.

McCollum's tenure in public service extends beyond Congress; she served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001. Born in Minneapolis in 1954 and residing in Saint Paul today, she holds a BA from St. Catherine University obtained in 1987.