TMZ Tracks US Lawmakers Vacationing During Government Shutdown

Celebrity tabloid exposes lawmakers' leisure activities as federal workers go unpaid

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:17pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with a lone desk and chair bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually illustrating the disconnect between Congress and the federal workers impacted by the ongoing government shutdown.As the government shutdown drags on, the conspicuous absence of lawmakers in the Capitol building raises questions about their priorities and commitment to resolving the crisis.Washington Today

TMZ, the celebrity news outlet, has turned its paparazzi focus on US lawmakers, tracking their vacation activities during the ongoing partial government shutdown that has left thousands of federal workers without pay. The outlet has published photos and videos of senators and representatives enjoying leisure time at Disney World, casinos, and watch parties, drawing criticism for their perceived lack of engagement with the shutdown crisis.

Why it matters

The TMZ coverage highlights the disconnect between Congress and the federal workers impacted by the shutdown, raising questions about lawmakers' priorities and responsiveness to the needs of their constituents. It also demonstrates the growing influence of celebrity media in the political sphere, as traditionally 'serious' news outlets struggle to capture public attention.

The details

TMZ has deployed a team to the US Capitol, conducting hallway interviews with lawmakers and then tracking their vacation activities during the shutdown. The outlet has published photos and videos of senators like Lindsey Graham at Disney World, as well as representatives like Seth Magaziner attending a Real Housewives watch party and Robert Garcia visiting a Las Vegas casino. While some lawmakers have pushed back, arguing they have voted to fund the government, the TMZ coverage has gone viral on social media, drawing millions of views.

  • The partial government shutdown entered its seventh week as TMZ began its coverage.
  • In February, TMZ interviewed Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett about the Super Bowl halftime show.
  • TMZ's coverage of Lindsey Graham's Disney World visit garnered over 5 million views on social media.

The players

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator from South Carolina who was photographed by TMZ enjoying Disney World during the government shutdown.

John Thune

The Senate majority leader, who was also featured in TMZ's coverage of lawmakers' vacation activities.

John Barrasso

The Senate majority whip, who was also included in TMZ's dispatches about lawmakers' leisure time during the shutdown.

Ted Cruz

A Republican senator who was the lead story on TMZ's website for his activities during the shutdown.

Seth Magaziner

A Democratic congressman from Rhode Island who was reported by TMZ to be attending a Real Housewives watch party during the shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“Actually I don't mind what TMZ is doing here. I was visiting my dad in Vegas. Blame Mike Johnson for sending everyone home in the first place.”

— Robert Garcia, Democratic California representative

“I voted seven times to fully fund the government. Call a Democrat.”

— Lindsey Graham, Republican senator from South Carolina

What’s next

TMZ has indicated it plans to continue its coverage of lawmakers' activities during the government shutdown, potentially leading to further public scrutiny of Congress's response to the crisis.

The takeaway

The TMZ coverage of lawmakers' vacation activities during the government shutdown has exposed a perceived disconnect between Congress and the federal workers impacted by the crisis, raising questions about the priorities and responsiveness of elected officials. This episode also highlights the growing influence of celebrity media in the political sphere.