Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior and former U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district, posted a series of statements on November 6, 2025, addressing issues ranging from community support to political gridlock in Washington.
In her first post at 2:00 a.m., Haaland highlighted her Catholic faith and expressed gratitude for religious leadership in social causes: "As Catholics, caring for one another is at the heart of who we are. I am grateful for Archbishop Wester's work helping the poor, standing up for the Tularosa downwinders, and championing early childhood education." The reference to the Tularosa downwinders points to communities in New Mexico affected by nuclear testing fallout.
Later that morning at 3:00 a.m., Haaland commented on the ongoing government shutdown, which she described as historic in length. She stated: "Today marks the longest shutdown in history. Access to affordable healthcare and food should not be political, but Trump and his MAGA friends are playing politics while wreaking havoc on our communities. NM is staying fierce. I'll continue showing up and fighting for New". In this message, she criticized former President Donald Trump and his allies for their role in the political stalemate.
By midday at 2:00 p.m., Haaland emphasized local efforts to address food insecurity amid federal uncertainty: "Folks who don’t have food should not be a political football. New Mexicans are coming together to make sure our friends, neighbors, and communities are fed."
Haaland has previously advocated for marginalized groups and increased access to social services during periods of government disruption. As Secretary of the Interior since March 2021 and as a prominent figure representing Native American interests in Congress, she has been involved in both national policy discussions and local community initiatives.
The current government shutdown referenced by Haaland follows earlier episodes where budget disputes led to lapses in federal funding and interruptions of public services. Such events often affect vulnerable populations most acutely.
