“Shameful.”
“Selfish.”
“Bad example.”
Those are the descriptives coming from Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen after one state senator, Machaela Canavaugh, already famed for her rants and raves, was caught on video vandalizing the Statehouse.
Online, commenters focused on a single word: “Arrest.”
“If a regular citizen did this, they’d be arrested. When is she getting arrested?” said one.
It’s because of Cavanaugh’s decision to roam the Statehouse and destroy multiple displays recognizing America’s 250th birthday this year.
The governor issued a statement: “Nebraska’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday includes showcasing historical figures and events in our most important public space, our beautiful State Capitol. These include Declaration of Independence signers and prominent women in American history, among others. Sadly, this morning several of those displays were ripped off the walls by State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh, infamous for filibustering the entire 2023 legislative session to protect sex-change surgeries on kids. Celebrating America during our 250th year should be a moment of unity and patriotism, not divisiveness and destructive partisanship. I am disappointed in this shameful and selfish bad example.”
Nebraska’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday includes showcasing historical figures and events in our most important public space, our beautiful State Capitol. These include Declaration of Independence signers and prominent women in American history, among others.
Sadly,… pic.twitter.com/MZ8Tbvg5nr
— Governor Jim Pillen (@TeamPillen) January 7, 2026
BREAKING: Outrage after Nebraska State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh was caught on video vandalizing a Declaration of Independence exhibit at the Capitol.
Calls are growing for her expulsion over the incident and past controversies.pic.twitter.com/Hx6Hi1Y4if
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) January 8, 2026
Nebraskans deserve state senators that conduct themselves with dignity and prudence. See the full statement below from our state director on Senator Machaela Cavanaugh tearing down A250 displays in the State Capitol. pic.twitter.com/8orphOS7qx
— AFP Nebraska (@afpne) January 8, 2026
A commentary at the Gateway Pundit noted she’s already established a solid reputation for actions that can only be described as border-line psychotic.
Watch her rant for nearly a minute in support of chemical and surgical mutilations for children, which she is demanding.
This is democrat Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh who has been drinking the woke kool-aid of insanity. This is not a loop. There is an ending pic.twitter.com/6m1bPQRxNM
— • Angry Frog ™ • (@angrifrog) May 20, 2023
Cavanaugh also has thrown a fit on the Senate floor and threatened to “burn the [legislative] session to the ground.”
