Representative María Elvira Salazar posted a series of statements on October 6, 2025, addressing both U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela and the ongoing government shutdown in Washington.
In a tweet posted at 16:01 UTC, Salazar commended the Trump administration’s actions against Venezuelan drug trafficking operations. She wrote, “Aplaudo con fuerza a la administración Trump por volar las narco-lanchas de Maduro que iban directas a envenenar nuestras calles. Maduro no es presidente legítimo de Venezuela: es un capo de cartel, y la Casa Blanca hace lo correcto al tratarlo como tal, usando todos los misiles” (October 6, 2025).
Later that day, Salazar addressed the consequences of the federal government shutdown if Democrats do not support reopening efforts. In an English-language tweet at 20:15 UTC she stated, “If the democrats don’t vote to reopen the government, Federal workers will miss their next pay check.
The WIC program for women and infants will run out of funds.
Our service members won’t be paid.
This isn’t a game. The American people deserve better.” (October 6, 2025).
Shortly after, Salazar reiterated these concerns in Spanish: “Si los demócratas no actúan para reabrir el gobierno, las consecuencias serán reales:
Los trabajadores federales perderán su próximo cheque de pago.
El programa WIC para mujeres y bebés se quedará sin fondos.
Nuestros militares no recibirán su salario.
Esto no es un” (October 6, 2025).
María Elvira Salazar is a U.S. Representative for Florida’s 27th congressional district and has been an outspoken critic of Nicolás Maduro’s regime in Venezuela as well as vocal about issues affecting federal employees and social programs during periods of government shutdowns.
The WIC program referenced by Salazar provides supplemental nutrition assistance to women, infants, and children from low-income families; interruptions to its funding have previously been cited as critical risks during government shutdowns. Similarly, missed paychecks for federal workers and military personnel are among the most immediate effects when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills necessary to keep agencies operating.
