St. Paul Reporter

Rep. Betty McCollum, who has represented Minnesota’s 4th district in the U.S. Congress since 2001, used her social media platform on October 15, 2025, to voice concerns about recent actions taken by the Trump administration regarding federal oversight and funding.

In a tweet posted at 16:04 UTC, McCollum stated, "President Trump is using his shutdown as cover to implement Project 2025. Federal law requires support for students with disabilities, but Russ Vought just fired all the @usedgov staff overseeing those funds. Trump is determined to let waste, fraud, and abuse run rampant."

Later that day at 18:28 UTC, she continued her criticism of the administration’s fiscal priorities: "When it comes to making your healthcare affordable with ACA tax credits, there’s not a penny to be found. But Trump had no problem giving permanent tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and giant corporations, and now a $40 billion handout to his friend in Argentina. Doesn’t sound like"

At 18:49 UTC on the same day, McCollum addressed further developments involving Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought: "OMB Director Russ Vought, the architect of Project 2025, is threatening to lay off over 10,000 federal employees. This was the Trump Administration's plan all along — they're just using the shutdown as an excuse to fire America's public servants."

McCollum has been active in national politics since replacing Bruce Vento in Congress in 2001 and previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001. Born in Minneapolis in 1954 and currently residing in Saint Paul, McCollum graduated from St. Catherine University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987.

Her comments reflect ongoing debates over government shutdowns, education funding for students with disabilities, healthcare affordability under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), tax policy affecting corporations and wealthy individuals, and federal employment policies.