Nancy Pelosi Snaps at Reporter Over AOC’s Role in Democrat Shutdown Chaos [WATCH]

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) pushed back sharply on Wednesday when asked whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and other progressives are steering Democratic strategy during the ongoing government shutdown.

The exchange came as Democrats face growing scrutiny over internal divisions and Republican criticism that their party’s most progressive members are driving the negotiations.

The question to Pelosi followed comments from Ocasio-Cortez inviting Senate Democrats to meet with her and hear directly why she believes the party should hold firm as the shutdown continues.

Speaking to reporters, a journalist referenced Republican claims that Ocasio-Cortez, rather than House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), was directing the party’s stance.

“Why are you saying such a ridiculous thing?” Pelosi responded, dismissing the suggestion with a hand wave.

“I’m just quoting what AOC said: Go to her office directly,” the reporter replied, pressing further.

“Do you think there’s any credibility to that?”

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Pelosi replied firmly, “She is not directing this. She’s wonderful, she’s a… a team player and the rest of that.”

Pelosi continued, clarifying that Jeffries is the one leading the caucus.

“You started by saying ‘Republicans saying that she’s directing this.’ She is not. Hakeem Jeffries is,” she said, citing his “experience” and ability to unify members.

Pelosi described Ocasio-Cortez as “an articulate person for her point of view,” but rejected the idea that she is setting the agenda.

Despite Pelosi’s defense, Jeffries faced a difficult meeting with President Donald Trump just hours before the shutdown began.

In a Truth Social post, Trump shared a photo of himself pointing and laughing at Jeffries while offering him a diet Coke and a red hat reading “Trump 2028.”

The photo, presented in a joking manner, accompanied reports of a tense negotiation in which Democrats rejected a Republican short-term funding proposal.

The shutdown stems from disagreements over healthcare funding. Republicans have sought to limit spending by blocking the extension of subsidies created under Obamacare, while Democrats have insisted on keeping the expanded coverage in place.

GOP lawmakers argue that Democrats are attempting to extend healthcare benefits to illegal immigrants by tying funding to migrants with pending or contested asylum cases.

Trump has leaned into his messaging during the standoff, releasing earlier in the week a digitally altered video showing Jeffries with an oversized mustache and sombrero, alongside a clip of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

In the video, Schumer was portrayed as claiming that “woke trans bulls**t” has alienated voters from the Democratic Party.

pic.twitter.com/JzQYLShOCt

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2025

The video drew criticism from Jeffries, who appeared on MSNBC following its release.

“It’s a disgusting video, and we’re going to make clear, bigotry will get you nowhere,” he told host Lawrence O’Donnell.

🚨Hakeem Jeffries just reacted LIVE ON MSNBC to the meme that Trump posted of him in a sombrero and mustache:

“It’s a disgusting video.” pic.twitter.com/hjm897UtP6

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) September 30, 2025

The clash highlighted the pressure facing Democratic leaders as the shutdown continues.

With Republicans maintaining that their final funding proposal was rejected without meaningful compromise, and Democrats standing firm on healthcare provisions, no immediate resolution appeared in sight.

The government shutdown, which began after Democrats rejected the GOP’s last offer, is expected to extend further as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.