Government Shutdown Remarks by House Speaker Mike Johnson
During a press conference on the 20th day of the ongoing government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana suggested that if President Trump were in a position of absolute power, the government would be functioning again. He commented on the recent “No Kings” protests, labeling them as “Hate America” rallies and emphasizing that this shutdown demonstrates a theatrical aspect of politics for Democrats.
Johnson articulated that the recent protests highlighted a clear focus on politics rather than the issues at hand. He pointed out the irony of the protests being termed as “No Kings Rally,” saying, “If President Trump were king, the government would be open.” He further noted that Trump’s hypothetical reign would involve closing national parks and shopping malls, which he believes is somewhat absurd.
Interestingly, Johnson recalled that it was actually former President Barack Obama who closed parks during the 2013 government shutdown, not Trump. He added, “This is what President Obama did during that time, shutting everything down.” Johnson accused Democrats of ignoring the damage being done to military families, particularly in regard to their pay.
Reflecting on the ongoing rallies, he mentioned several senators, including Bernie Sanders and Cory Booker, who were participating in these demonstrations. These senators, he remarked, have previously voted to contribute to the shutdown, seemingly shifting blame onto others for the situation they helped create.
“This is always about the spectacle,” Johnson reiterated, calling out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for attending events in New York City that featured radical groups. He emphasized that the Democrats have not hidden their agenda, pointing out their public appearances and their alignment with various leftist organizations.
Finally, Johnson stressed that the motive behind the shutdown revolves around Schumer’s political survival, underscoring that Democrats’ actions are clearly self-serving. “Open your eyes,” he urged, insisting that the situation stems from their choices and strategies.
