Johnson Exposes Democrats’ Hidden Agenda Behind Prolonged Government Shutdown
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R–LA) has accused Democrats of deliberately prolonging the federal government shutdown to serve political interests and appease the far-left base of their party — even as millions of Americans face real economic harm.
During a Fox News interview, Johnson didn’t hold back, charging that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are “playing politics with the lives of real American people.”
“Chuck Schumer and the Democrats are playing politics with the lives of real American people. He’s getting accolades right now from the far left. That was the whole objective. They had to appease the Marxist base of the Democrat Party, and so they pick this fight right now. It is absurd,” Johnson said.
The Speaker’s frustration was palpable after hearing Jeffries, D-N.Y., shift the blame to Republicans.
“It was three weeks ago today, Brian, that the House voted to pay the troops, pay federal workers, and keep the government open. We passed a clean CR. Three weeks ago. The ball is in the Senate’s court. That’s where the duty must be done now,” he said.
Democrats Stall While Americans Suffer
Johnson blasted Democrats for blocking efforts to fund the government, accusing them of refusing to support a clean continuing resolution that would have kept paychecks flowing to 2 million civilian workers and 1.3 million active-duty service members.
He detailed how ordinary Americans are already feeling the effects: from halted TSA operations to frozen FEMA flood insurance during hurricane season.
“Real harm to real people. We’re hearing it from our constituents. The House Republicans right now are in their districts working, trying to help people through this crisis that’s being created by the Democrats. I mean, it’s health services, it is nutrition services for young mothers and infant children. It’s, you know, all manner of services that are provided. FEMA, they can’t write flood insurance policies in the middle of a hurricane season because of this nonsense. And we’re so angry about it,” Johnson said.
A Political Stunt Before the ‘No Kings’ Rally
According to Johnson, Democrats are holding the government hostage until after an October 18 left-wing protest known as “No Kings Day.”
“The theory we have right now, they have a ‘Hate America’ rally that’s scheduled for Oct. 18 on the National Mall. It’s all the pro-Hamas wing and the Antifa people, they’re all coming out. Some of the House Democrats are selling T-shirts for the event. And it’s being told to us that they won’t be able to reopen the government until after that rally because they can’t face their rabid base,” he explained.
The “No Kings Day” demonstrations are being marketed by progressive activists as a protest to “show the world that America has no kings” and to oppose President Donald Trump’s administration.
Johnson: Democrats’ Obstruction Has No Precedent
Johnson underscored that no party in congressional history has ever shut down the government over a clean continuing resolution. He emphasized that Republicans’ proposal contained no partisan wish list — only a straightforward seven-week extension to complete the appropriations process.
“We just simply said, ‘Give us seven more weeks to finish the government funding process, the appropriations process, and let’s all work together.’ And they chose this moment to put up a fight against President Trump because they have derangement syndrome, and it’s very real, and to show that they’re fighting Republicans,” Johnson said.
“For what?! For what?! They’re hurting the American people, and I’ve just had it.”
As the standoff drags on, the contrast could not be clearer: Republicans are working to restore order and protect American livelihoods, while Democrats are staging rallies and political theater.