Johnson claims Democrats are ‘playing politics’ during government shutdown

House Speaker Accuses Democrats of Politicizing Lives Amid Shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) criticized Democrats on Friday for allegedly “politicizing” the ongoing government shutdown, suggesting they were more focused on political games than the well-being of American citizens.

Johnson pointed fingers at Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Party, claiming they were catering to their far-left base with their actions. “They chose this fight now. It’s ridiculous,” he remarked, clearly frustrated. This statement came after he watched House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) blame Republicans for the shutdown. Johnson expressed his disappointment, stating that Jeffries’ claims were “the opposite of the truth.”

He emphasized that it had been three weeks since the House passed a clean continuing resolution to fund federal workers and the military. Johnson said, “The ball is in the Senate’s court,” underlining the responsibility of Senate Democrats to respond.

Late Thursday, lawmakers voted on the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, approving a nearly bipartisan measure. However, it seems like this was the last significant action in the Senate for the week regarding the funding issues.

Johnson criticized the Democrats’ approach, which he said would lead to a halt in paychecks for military and federal employees. He estimated that around 2 million civilian workers and 1.3 million active-duty military members would be affected financially.

When asked about how the shutdown impacts regular Americans, Johnson pointed out potential flight cancellations and essential services like medical and nutritional support for families, due to the funding issues. “We’re hearing it from our constituents,” he said, noting that this was a serious problem affecting many.

Johnson claimed that “real harm to real people” was happening, referring to delays in FEMA support during hurricane season and other basic services being disrupted. He expressed anger over how the shutdown was harming people across the nation.

Interestingly, he also mentioned an upcoming protest dubbed “No Kings Day,” planned for October 18, aimed at opposing President Trump. Johnson suggested that this might be influencing the Democrats’ reluctance to resolve the shutdown, arguing they were prioritizing political rallies over the needs of the American public.

In closing, he asserted, “No party in the history of Parliament has ever tried to shut down a government over a clean continuing resolution.” Johnson expressed frustration over the Democrats’ refusal to negotiate, raising questions about their motivations and the consequences of their actions.