The Trump Administration’s chaos machine keeps churning, and if you’ve been paying attention, it’s easy to wonder if the Democratic response is scattered—or worse, nonexistent. The headlines blare, the tweets fly, and here in Richmond, folks are left asking: What the hell are Virginia Democrats doing to push back?
Turns out, more than you think.
Take Congresswoman Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), right here from Richmond. She’s not the whole story—but she’s a solid example. And hey, she lives in the city proper, so of course we’re rooting for her. While the Trump-Vance circus rages on in Washington, McClellan’s been grinding away on the front lines. Her recent actions offer a glimpse into the broader, often-overlooked efforts of Virginia’s Democratic reps—efforts that don’t always make the headlines but prove there’s still some fight left in the system.
She’s not out there alone. Not by a long shot. So, if you’ve been sitting around wondering if anyone’s actually standing up for Virginians in D.C.—yeah, they are. Here’s what McClellan and her colleagues have been doing over the past few weeks. Whether it’ll be enough to slow Trump down? That’s still up in the air. But at least the fight isn’t over.
ed. note: Watch below Congresswoman Jennifer L. McClellan at 24:17 minute mark say “this is a coup brought on by Russ Vought & Elon Musk.”
February 7, 2025 – Protecting Your Privacy from Elon Musk
McClellan joined House Democrats to introduce the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, designed to prevent Elon Musk from accessing millions of Americans’ sensitive financial data. Under the Trump-Vance Administration, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was granted control over the Treasury Department’s payment system, which holds Social Security numbers, banking information, and more.
“We cannot afford to stand by while an unelected billionaire seizes unprecedented power,” McClellan said. “This bill ensures that only trusted public servants with security clearance—not Musk and his minions—can access such sensitive data.”
This isn’t just McClellan acting alone—it’s part of a coordinated effort by House Democrats to protect your personal information from political abuse.
February 6, 2025 – Standing Up for Federal Workers
When Russell Vought, architect of Project 2025, was confirmed as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), McClellan didn’t hesitate to call out the danger he poses to federal workers. But she wasn’t alone. Virginia’s entire Democratic delegation has been rallying against Vought’s confirmation and the administration’s broader attacks on civil servants.
“Senate Republicans, at Trump’s behest, have betrayed our federal workforce by confirming a man who openly wants to traumatize them,” McClellan stated. “His confirmation will have far-reaching, detrimental impacts on the federal government and the American people.”
McClellan has been organizing with civil service groups and working with colleagues like Gerry Connolly and Don Beyer to push back against the federal hiring freeze that’s hurting Virginia’s workforce, especially at VA medical centers.
February 5, 2025 – Building Coalitions to Protect Civil Servant
McClellan participated in a roundtable with Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), and civil service organizations to coordinate a response to the Musk-Trump-Vance Administration’s attacks on federal agencies. Their efforts are part of a larger, united front to protect the federal workforce from mass layoffs and political purges.
“From day one, this Administration has shown blatant disregard for America’s civil servants,” McClellan said. “But we are standing together to fight back.”
The event included Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), and representatives from major labor organizations, highlighting the broad coalition of Virginia leaders working to protect our institutions.
February 3, 2025 – Sounding the Alarm on Musk’s Control Over Government Data
McClellan has been at the forefront of exposing the dangers of Musk’s unchecked power within the federal government. After the administration granted Musk’s DOGE team access to the Treasury Department’s federal payment system, McClellan called it an unprecedented invasion of privacy—but she wasn’t the only one sounding the alarm.
“Musk and his DOGE bros now have access to Americans’ most sensitive information,” McClellan warned. “This is not about efficiency—it’s about control. We will not let them get away with it.”
This pushback is part of a larger effort by House Democrats to protect government transparency and prevent the misuse of federal systems.
February 3, 2025 – Defending America’s Global Standing
The Trump-Vance Administration’s decision to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)drew swift condemnation from McClellan and other members of Virginia’s delegation. USAID plays a critical role in global health, humanitarian aid, and diplomacy.
“Musk and Trump claim to put America first, yet their actions allow adversaries like China and Russia to step into the void,” McClellan said. “Congress created USAID, and only Congress can dismantle it—not Trump, and certainly not Musk.”
Her efforts here are part of a broader Democratic push to safeguard America’s international role and protect national security from reckless policy decisions.
January 29, 2025 – Blocking Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze
After public pressure, including McClellan’s leadership, the Trump-Vance Administration rescinded its freeze on federal grants and loans. But this wasn’t just one representative’s victory—Virginia’s Democratic delegation was instrumental in pushing back against this illegal stunt.
“This illegal scheme sought to withhold congressionally approved funding,” McClellan stated. “While the immediate freeze has been lifted, Trump’s Executive Order still threatens critical programs. We will continue the fight.”
McClellan is working with colleagues across the state and in Washington to monitor and challenge any further attempts to restrict federal funding.
January 24, 2025 – Calling Out Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation as Secretary of Defense
McClellan joined Democrats in condemning the Senate’s confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, citing his backward views on women in combat and credible allegations of misconduct.
“On the 12th anniversary of lifting the ban on women in combat, the Senate confirmed a man who says that never should have happened,” McClellan said. “This is a slap in the face to the 200,000 active-duty women service members and 2 million women veterans who have defended this country.”
Her stance reflects the wider Democratic commitment to protecting diversity and integrity in the military.
January 24, 2025 – Challenging Trump’s Hiring Freeze
McClellan led Virginia’s Democratic representatives in urging Trump to revoke his hiring freeze on federal civilian employees, which has directly affected VA medical centers and veteran services in Virginia. But this effort was part of a broader coalition, including Representatives Bobby Scott, Don Beyer, Gerry Connolly, Suhas Subramanyam, and Eugene Vindman.
“The Richmond VA Medical Center had to rescind job offers for doctors and nurses because of this freeze,” McClellan said. “Trump claims to support veterans, yet his policies make it harder for them to get care.”
Their joint advocacy led to partial exemptions for medical staff, but they continue to fight for full reversal to protect essential services.
January 23, 2025 – Protecting Reproductive Rights
As Chair of the Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, McClellan spoke out against the House GOP’s Reproductive Health Care Surveillance Act, which would criminalize doctors and severely restrict medical options for patients experiencing life-threatening pregnancy complications.
“The American people have rejected efforts to restrict reproductive rights, yet Republicans continue their attacks,”McClellan said. “This bill fabricates a problem that doesn’t exist and is just another attempt to interfere with personal health decisions.”
McClellan’s leadership on this issue is part of a larger effort by Democrats across the country to defend reproductive freedom.
January 22, 2025 – Opposing Anti-Immigrant Legislation
McClellan voted against the Laken Riley Act, an anti-immigrant bill that would allow deportation based solely on an arrest, even if the individual isn’t convicted. This wasn’t an isolated vote—Democrats across the House stood firm in opposing this bill.
“Republicans killed a bipartisan immigration deal at Trump’s request and now exploit a tragedy to push an anti-immigrant agenda,” she said. “We need real immigration reform—not fear-mongering policies that violate due process.”
This bill also threatens DACA recipients and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), groups McClellan and her colleagues have consistently fought to protect.
Conclusion: One Representative, A Statewide Effort
Congresswoman McClellan is just one cog in a bigger, messier machine—a network of reps grinding it out behind the scenes, trying to hold the line. They’re out there, fighting to protect our rights, keep federal institutions from crumbling, and throw a wrench into the Trump-Vance Administration’s relentless power grab.
Main photo from an interview with Jennifer McClennan by Lance Warren / Field Studio for the Richmond Justice Project back in 2016. You can read that HERE.
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