House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) recently criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and her fellow Democrats for their “publicity stunts” during the government shutdown. In an appearance on CNN’s “The Lead” on Thursday, Johnson expressed frustration with the attention-seeking tactics of these Democratic lawmakers, stating that while they were busy making social media videos, Republicans were hard at work finding solutions.
“The American people want to see their government working for them, not playing politics and putting on a show,” Johnson stated. “And that’s exactly what these publicity stunts by AOC and others are – nothing but a show.”
Johnson’s comments come amidst a heated political climate, as the government shutdown continues to drag on with no resolution in sight. While both parties have been engaged in negotiations and discussions to find a solution, the Democrats’ tactics have been called into question by many, including Johnson.
“In times of crisis, we need leaders who are willing to put in the hard work and make tough decisions, not just use the situation as an opportunity to gain more publicity,” Johnson emphasized.
During the shutdown, Ocasio-Cortez has been particularly active on social media and in the media, using the platform to criticize President Trump and his administration. She has also been vocal about her support for federal workers affected by the shutdown, visiting a food bank to help distribute supplies and holding a press conference with other Democratic lawmakers to call for an end to the shutdown.
However, Johnson and other Republicans are calling out Ocasio-Cortez and her colleagues for what they see as grandstanding and using the shutdown as a way to further their own political agendas.
“The American people entrusted us with the responsibility to govern and find solutions to the challenges facing our nation,” Johnson stated. “Yet, instead of using this shutdown as an opportunity to find common ground and reach a resolution, AOC and the Democrats are using it as a stage for their own publicity stunts.”
Johnson also pointed out that while Ocasio-Cortez and other Democrats were busy making videos and holding press conferences, Republicans were actively working on finding a solution to end the shutdown.
“Our focus is on finding a solution and getting the government back up and running for the American people,” Johnson stated. “We are not interested in playing politics or gaining more followers on social media.”
Johnson’s comments echo the sentiment of many Americans who are frustrated with the ongoing government shutdown and are calling for their elected officials to work together to find a resolution. By highlighting the contrast between the actions of the Democrats and the Republicans, Johnson is sending a message that the American people want to see their leaders actively working to find a solution, not using the situation for their own personal gain.
As the government shutdown continues, the American people are looking to their leaders for action and solutions. It is time for both parties to put aside their political differences and work towards finding a resolution that will end the shutdown and provide relief for the federal workers and their families who are being affected.
It is clear that Johnson and his fellow Republicans are committed to finding a solution and putting the needs of the American people first, while Ocasio-Cortez and other Democrats continue to prioritize their own agendas. As Johnson stated, “Instead of doing publicity stunts, Republicans are working.” It is time for the Democrats to do the same.
