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TMZ has begun using its paparazzi tactics to report on US Congress members’ activities during the partial government shutdown. The celebrity tabloid recently called for public tips on lawmakers’ whereabouts, and has spotlighted politicians from both major parties at leisure activities while thousands of Department of Homeland Security employees go without pay. TMZ founder Harvey Levin said the outlet, owned by Fox, increased its political coverage after speaking to a TSA worker going without pay, and wants to highlight how lawmakers are enjoying spring break while federal workers lose their homes and livelihoods.
US Lawmakers’ Vacation Activities Amid Government Shutdown Highlighted by TMZ
Amid the partial government shutdown, Republican senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was spotted at Disney World in Florida, riding Space Mountain and carrying a bubble wand. The celebrity tabloid, TMZ, known for tracking celebrities, now uses its paparazzi prowess to cover the US Congress.
TMZ outed Graham’s Disney escapade as the government shutdown left Homeland Security employees without pay. The senator’s trip to the amusement park earned him a headline: “Living in Fantasyland as Government Shutdown Drags On.” Other senators like John Thune, John Barrasso and Ted Cruz also made TMZ’s report on lawmakers’ activities during the shutdown.
TMZ also followed Democratic representatives Seth Magaziner and Robert Garcia. Magaziner is off to a Real Housewives watch party, while Garcia was photographed at a casino in Las Vegas. Garcia responded, noting he was visiting his dad and criticized US House speaker Mike Johnson for sending everyone home.
TMZ founder Harvey Levin said they aimed to show the impact of the government shutdown on federal workers by juxtaposing it with congress members on vacation. TMZ — a Fox-owned company with a Capitol Hill presence — has a team conducting interviews with senators and representatives.
While lawmaker interviews gain online traction, shutdown sightings have soared on social media. Graham’s Disney World photos garnered over 5m views on X and responses from California governor Gavin Newsom and Tucker Carlson. Graham told TMZ he voted to fund the government seven times and suggested calling a Democrat.
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