WASHINGTON, D.C. — Facing mounting public frustration over the ongoing government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) erupted in anger Monday during an appearance on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show, attacking both Democrats and the media after a new poll showed most Americans hold Republicans responsible for the weeks-long stalemate.
The shutdown, now stretching into its fourth week, stems from a bitter standoff over the renewal of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire at year’s end. The subsidies, crucial to millions of lower- and middle-income Americans, have become the latest flashpoint in Washington’s partisan war over healthcare and spending.
When host Will Cain pressed Johnson about the new numbers — which show that a majority of voters blame Republicans for the impasse — the Speaker bristled, accusing the media of bias and Democrats of deliberately “sabotaging the process.”
“Of course the media will blame us,” Johnson snapped. “That’s what they always do. But what people aren’t being told is how blue states are abusing these programs — especially SNAP. It’s become a political football, and Democrats are using it to buy votes.”
Cain, who appeared taken aback by the intensity of Johnson’s remarks, echoed the phrase “political football,” prompting the Speaker to double down.
“Look, this isn’t about compassion anymore,” Johnson continued. “It’s about control. The Democrats have turned welfare into a permanent campaign machine. They’re not helping people — they’re trapping them in dependency, and now they’re shutting down the government to protect that system.”
But Johnson’s fiery deflection did little to quell criticism. Across Washington, both Democrats and moderate Republicans voiced frustration that the Speaker seemed more focused on blame-shifting than problem-solving.
“The Speaker’s meltdown tells you everything you need to know,” said Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.). “He’s losing the argument — with voters and with his own caucus.”
Even within Johnson’s party, some lawmakers are growing uneasy. A senior GOP aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the Speaker’s tone as “defensive and desperate.”
“He’s under pressure,” the aide said. “We’ve got federal workers going without pay, small businesses hurting, and no movement in sight. The longer this drags on, the harder it is to spin.”
The shutdown has paralyzed major government functions, including food safety inspections, small business loans, and national park operations. Meanwhile, the poll that triggered Johnson’s outburst — conducted by Reuters/Ipsos — found that 56% of Americans blame congressional Republicans for the shutdown, while only 29% blame Democrats.
Democratic leaders swiftly seized on Johnson’s remarks, framing them as proof of failed leadership.
“When you’ve lost control of your own caucus and the country’s patience, yelling at the media isn’t leadership — it’s panic,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.
Still, Johnson’s allies insist his anger is justified, arguing that Democrats have refused to negotiate on spending reforms and border measures tied to the GOP’s proposed budget package.
Behind the scenes, however, tensions are growing inside the Republican conference. Several hardliners have reportedly pushed Johnson to hold firm on his conditions, while moderates are quietly warning that continued obstruction could cost the GOP politically heading into 2026.
For now, there’s no end in sight. As millions of Americans brace for another missed paycheck and shuttered services, the Speaker’s latest tirade may have only reinforced the perception that Washington’s chaos isn’t being solved — it’s being staged.
“He can yell all he wants,” one Democratic strategist said. “But the public’s already made up its mind. The blame sits squarely where the gavel does — with Speaker Mike Johnson.”
