Celebrity Website Stalks Lawmakers on Vacation to Shame Them

TMZ paparazzi follow members of Congress during Holy Week recess, sparking outrage over government shutdown.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:25pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the overlapping, geometric silhouette of a politician repeated in vibrant red, blue, and yellow hues, conveying the frenzied energy and partisan divisions surrounding the government shutdown.The chaotic, partisan nature of the government shutdown is reflected in this fractured, abstract illustration of a politician in motion.Long Beach Today

The celebrity gossip website TMZ has sent paparazzi to track down and harass members of Congress who left Washington, D.C. during a two-week recess, as lawmakers failed to resolve a government shutdown that has left federal workers unpaid. TMZ has published photos and videos of representatives and senators on vacation, accusing them of abandoning their duties.

Why it matters

The actions of TMZ highlight the growing partisan divide in Washington and the public frustration with elected officials who are perceived as out-of-touch or unwilling to compromise. The government shutdown has real consequences for federal workers and the broader public, and the decision by the House Speaker to send members home without a vote has angered many Americans.

The details

After the U.S. Senate passed a bill to fully fund the TSA, Secret Service, and other agencies, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced he would not allow a vote, and sent members home for a two-week recess. TMZ has since deployed paparazzi to track down lawmakers, including Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), accusing them of abandoning their duties while federal workers go unpaid.

  • The two-week vacation for the House of Representatives began on Friday, March 29, 2026.
  • TMZ began tracking and harassing lawmakers on vacation on Sunday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Mike Johnson

Republican Congressman from Louisiana and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Robert Garcia

Democratic Congressman from California.

Lindsey Graham

Republican Senator from South Carolina.

Ted Cruz

Republican Senator from Texas.

Katherine Clark

Democratic Congresswoman from Massachusetts.

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What they’re saying

“To show how fed up the American people are. Because we are. It's so insulting that the Republicans blame the Democrats ... no, it's both of your faults.”

— Harvey Levin, TMZ Chief

“Actually I don't mind what TMZ is doing here. Like the story says my dad has lived in Vegas for 15 years and I had just finished lunch with him. I try to see him whenever I can. And like I said a few days ago, Speaker Mike Johnson should have never sent us all home.”

— Robert Garcia, Congressman

“We should be in Washington today. I agree with everything he just said. And what did we get to? We got to a bipartisan agreement. There is one segment of Congress that when it come and take a step forward into agreeing to put TSA workers, put Coast Guard, FEMA, our cyber security, those working at our ports and in customs first pay them for the work they are doing. And that's House Republicans. Unanimous in the Senate. Republicans and Democrats. That is what the people are hungry for, for us to come together.”

— Katherine Clark, Congresswoman

What’s next

President Donald Trump has the power to recall all members of Congress to Washington to vote on the bipartisan bill that would fund federal agencies and pay workers. Democrats are also considering using a discharge petition to force a vote on the bill.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing partisan divide in Washington and the public's frustration with elected officials who are perceived as out-of-touch or unwilling to compromise during a government shutdown that is harming federal workers and the broader public. It underscores the need for lawmakers to put partisan politics aside and work together to resolve the crisis.