A number of major media outlets are beginning to acknowledge that Democrats face increasing scrutiny over their role in the ongoing government shutdown, following remarks by House Speaker Mike Johnson during an interview on ABC’s This Week.
Johnson Pushes Back Against “No Kings” Narrative
Appearing on This Week with host Jonathan Karl, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) dismissed Democratic claims that President Donald Trump is exercising excessive power, calling their recent “No Kings” demonstrations contradictory and politically motivated.
Johnson argued that the very fact Democrats were able to stage public protests without interference demonstrated the freedoms protected under the U.S. Constitution — freedoms that, he said, would not exist under the kind of authoritarian leadership they accuse Trump of representing.
“If the president were truly acting like a king, as they suggest, no one would have been allowed to protest him,” Johnson said. “Their ability to gather freely in the streets and criticize the administration proves the opposite.”
The Speaker also pointed out the irony of Democrats blaming Trump for the shutdown while simultaneously claiming he wields too much power. “If he really had the control they claim, the government would be running,” Johnson said. “Instead, it’s stalled because of their refusal to pass funding measures.”
A Stalemate Over Responsibility
The current government shutdown, now entering its fourth week, continues to dominate national headlines. Federal workers have missed paychecks, public services remain limited, and lawmakers in both chambers of Congress are trading blame over who is responsible for the impasse.
Johnson defended the House’s handling of the situation, noting that representatives passed a temporary funding bill nearly a month ago to prevent the shutdown. That measure, however, stalled in the Senate, where Democrats have refused to advance it without additional provisions.
“The House did its job — exactly a month ago, on September 19,” Johnson told ABC. “We passed a clean resolution to keep the government open. Since then, Senate Democrats have voted 11 times against reopening it. Only three Democrats have broken ranks.”
The Speaker emphasized that the shutdown could end “within hours” if the Senate moved forward on the House’s proposal. “Our legislation keeps the government functioning and ensures workers get paid. The hold-up isn’t in the House,” he said.
Media Begin Shifting Tone
In an unexpected turn, several major outlets — including networks often perceived as sympathetic to Democrats — have begun publishing analyses acknowledging that the party’s strategy may be backfiring.
Commentators have noted that the prolonged standoff could harm Democrats politically if the public begins associating the shutdown with gridlock rather than principled resistance.
One national editorial described the situation as “a miscalculation of public sentiment,” arguing that many Americans “want solutions, not symbolic gestures.”
Another report highlighted internal frustration among some Democratic senators who believe their leadership’s approach is “unsustainable” as the shutdown continues to disrupt daily life for millions.
Political analysts have also pointed to polling data suggesting that while both parties are viewed as responsible to some degree, the longer the shutdown lasts, the more blame tends to shift toward the party seen as obstructing a potential compromise.
The Battle of Narratives
At the center of the dispute is a broader fight over how the shutdown is framed in the public eye. Democrats have labeled it the “Trump-Johnson Shutdown,” accusing Republicans of tying government funding to unrelated policy riders. Republicans, on the other hand, have called it the “Schumer Shutdown,” asserting that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has repeatedly rejected bipartisan measures that would reopen the government.
Johnson’s recent comments highlight that the political messaging battle may be as consequential as the legislative one. “They’re trying to convince Americans that we’re the obstacle,” Johnson said. “But the record shows we’ve taken action — they’ve taken none.”
The Speaker’s remarks were echoed by other Republican lawmakers, who argued that the House’s funding bill was straightforward and free of controversial provisions. “It simply keeps essential programs running,” one GOP representative said. “If the Senate disagrees, they can amend it. But refusing to even debate it helps no one.”
Economic and Social Impacts
The ongoing shutdown has had ripple effects across the country. Federal employees have begun staging protests in several states, calling for an immediate end to the standoff. National parks and museums have reduced operations, small businesses reliant on government contracts have reported financial strain, and federal loan programs remain on hold.
Economists warn that a prolonged shutdown could slow growth during an already fragile economic period. “The longer this continues, the greater the risk of long-term economic damage,” said one policy analyst at a Washington think tank. “Even after the government reopens, it takes time to restart the normal flow of operations.”
Democrats Defend Their Position
In response to Johnson’s criticism, Democratic leaders maintain that the House resolution fails to adequately fund key social programs and includes provisions that would give the executive branch too much discretion over spending.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has argued that reopening the government requires a broader agreement addressing several policy areas, not just a short-term funding patch. “We’re not going to accept a bill that ignores the needs of working families,” Schumer said last week.
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) dismissed Johnson’s comments as “political theater,” insisting that Democrats are pushing for “a fair, comprehensive reopening of government that serves all Americans.”
Despite these statements, public frustration has continued to grow, with polls showing widespread disapproval of how both parties have handled negotiations.
Calls for Compromise Grow Louder
As the shutdown drags on, moderates from both sides are urging congressional leaders to reach a middle ground. A small bipartisan group of lawmakers has reportedly been working behind the scenes to draft a compromise bill that could satisfy both chambers and the White House.
Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) said the situation “has gone far enough” and warned that “the longer leaders wait to act, the harder it becomes to rebuild trust in government.”
Former officials have also cautioned that extended shutdowns weaken America’s global image. “When the world sees the U.S. government closed, it undermines confidence in our ability to lead,” said a retired ambassador familiar with past budget battles.
Public Perception and Political Stakes
While both parties are trying to win the messaging war, the ultimate verdict may rest with voters. With elections approaching, the shutdown has become a key test of leadership for both President Trump and congressional Democrats.
Political strategists warn that missteps now could shape the narrative heading into 2026. “Public patience is thin,” one strategist noted. “Whoever is seen as prolonging the pain will pay the political price.”
For Speaker Johnson, the goal is clear: demonstrate that Republicans are focused on governance, not gridlock. “The House has acted,” he reiterated. “It’s time for the Senate to follow through.”
Conclusion
As Washington remains paralyzed by partisan division, even traditionally sympathetic media outlets are beginning to acknowledge the growing political cost for Democrats.
The longer the shutdown continues, the harder it will be for either party to claim victory — and the easier it becomes for Americans to see it as another example of dysfunction in the nation’s capital.
For now, the blame game continues, but pressure is mounting on both sides to move beyond rhetoric and deliver results.