Concerns are growing within the Democratic Party that the far-left faction of its base has become increasingly unmanageable, with some lawmakers reportedly fearing political and even physical consequences if they compromise on reopening the federal government.

Political commentator Scott Jennings highlighted the issue during a CNN appearance, citing reports of Democrats hesitant to support a continuing resolution, or CR, to fund the government.

Jennings said one Democratic senator privately acknowledged that members are afraid to vote for a deal out of fear of backlash from their own base.

“If they stop holding the government hostage, they could easily walk in there tonight, pass the CR, give us seven weeks. The president brings everybody together. And my strong belief is that they would wind up negotiating on a number of issues, and they would come to an agreement,” Jennings said.

He continued, “A Democrat senator anonymously said none of us want to vote to open the government because ‘we’d face the guillotine.’ That’s their words from our base.”

The REAL reason the government is still shut down:

A Democrat Senator anonymously said they are afraid to vote to open the government because “we’d face the guillotine.”

These are THEIR words 👇 pic.twitter.com/sDjje9vpfv

— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) October 22, 2025

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Jennings’ comments come amid mounting frustration from both sides of the aisle over the shutdown impasse.

Lawmakers have struggled to agree on a temporary spending measure, even one similar to those that have routinely passed in previous years.

Republicans have pushed for what they describe as a clean CR, extending government funding while negotiations continue on broader fiscal priorities.

Democrats, meanwhile, have appeared divided over whether to back such a measure, with some citing pressure from far-left activists demanding hardline stances on social and budgetary issues.

In recent months, reports and internal statements have surfaced suggesting that many Democratic lawmakers fear backlash from within their own ranks.

Receipts: https://t.co/agVR9GYd5r pic.twitter.com/0X56hbbXYO

— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) October 22, 2025

According to party insiders, members of the progressive wing have accused more moderate Democrats of being unwilling to “fight hard enough” for left-wing policy goals.

The rhetoric from some activists has alarmed party strategists.

Over the summer, Democrats reportedly acknowledged that certain segments of their base have adopted increasingly militant rhetoric, suggesting that “there needs to be blood” for meaningful political change.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also addressed the escalating tensions on Wednesday, criticizing Senate Democrats for prioritizing fundraising efforts over negotiations to reopen the government.

Scalise specifically called out Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia for collecting campaign donations during the shutdown.

“Sen. Jon Ossoff is raking in millions in donations while refusing to vote for a clean CR,” Scalise said, adding that the Democratic Party has been “hijacked by radicals, including communists and socialists.”

Scalise argued that the refusal to pass a short-term funding measure demonstrates how deeply the Democratic Party has been influenced by its most extreme activists.

The GOP leader noted that Democrats have supported similar resolutions in the past but are now avoiding action amid growing pressure from their left flank.

The government shutdown, which continues to affect federal operations and worker pay, has become another flashpoint in the broader ideological struggle within the Democratic Party.

Analysts say the tension reflects a growing disconnect between the party’s leadership and its most outspoken grassroots members.

The standoff has left President Trump and congressional Republicans urging Democrats to break the deadlock by supporting a clean CR to keep the government open while budget talks continue. So far, no bipartisan path forward has emerged.

As the shutdown drags on, questions remain about whether Democratic leadership can regain control of its message — and its base — in time to reach an agreement.