See the Politicians Gallivanting Around as Government Shutdown Rages on: Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz and More

As the partial government shutdown continues on — becoming the longest shutdown in U.S. history — some politicians seem unaffected and unbothered. One even visited the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”

TMZ has captured government officials gallivanting around the United States despite constant reports of airport delays dominating the headlines.

After government agencies within the Department of Homeland Security were shut down February 14 due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans, workers have gone without pay — and Americans are getting frustrated.

When politicians are seen out and about amid the ongoing turmoil, “They are insulting our intelligence by thinking, ‘Oh, we can get over on them. I’m blaming it on the other party,’” TMZ founder Harvey Levin said in footage aired by CNN.

“It’s not ‘the other party’; it’s both parties,” Levin said, explaining that the news outlet will publish photos of both political sides who seem unaffected by the chaos. “And we are kind of sick of the way they are patronizing us, and that’s why we are doing this.”

“If you are watching this, and you see a senator out and about somewhere, especially somewhere on vacation, send them to us,” he advised. “Send it to the TMZ tipline.”

Lindsey Graham

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) was photographed at Disney World over the weekend, where he reportedly vacationed from March 27 to March 29. The Republican senator was even seen enjoying a “character breakfast” with Mickey Mouse and pals at Chef Mickey’s.

However, he told the outlet in a statement, “I was invited to a meeting in South Florida on Friday with Trump official Steve Witkoff … to talk about the possibility of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. I went to Orlando to meet friends after. I’m already back in South Carolina.”

“I voted 7 times to fully fund the government,” he added. “Call a Democrat.”

Ted Cruz

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was spotted by the outlet at the Ft. Lauderdale airport on Tuesday, March 31. TMZ reported that he’s been traveling a lot — leaving D.C. for Houston, then heading to Dallas for the CPAC convention before traveling to South Florida.

He was reportedly seen with four cops around him at the Florida airport.

Marsha Blackburn

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) was seen leaving Washington on March 26. TMZ reported that she used an attendant to try and hide from a camera at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Bernie Sanders

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) reportedly flew out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in first class on March 27.

Robert Garcia

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) was seen in a Las Vegas casino on March 29 amid the partial government shutdown. According to TMZ, he indulged in drinks at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and was with security guards.

In a statement posted to X, he responded, “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.”

Buddy Carter

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) was seen traveling to catch his 10-year-old grandson’s baseball game on March 28. A photo of Carter was captured after the game at Virginia’s Charlottesville-Albermarle Airport, where he was going to get a flight to North Carolina before heading to Atlanta.

According to TMZ, he has called the shutdown “inexcusable,” and a representative for the politician said that he’s donating his pay to help federal employees.

John Barrasso

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) was photographed looking cool, calm and collected at Denver Airport on March 27. According to TMZ, Barrasso was with at least one other person as he prepared to head to Wyoming.

He was reportedly approached by others at the airport, and one woman allegedly told him to end the ongoing shutdown.

Amy Klobuchar

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) was photographed at a Minnesota high school on March 27 wearing a t-shirt that read, “You are doing a good job.”

In a post shared to X, she explained, “After voting late into the night, I caught the first flight out to make it to FIRST Robotics at the U of M this morning — as you can see from my shirt, they are doing a good job!  Incredible to see so many teams in action and innovating for the future.”