Johnson leans on far right while blaming Democrats for extremes

While blaming Democrats for bowing to progressives, Johnson stood beside the very conservatives whose hardline demands have deepened the GOP’s shutdown bind.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), right, speaks as House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.), center, and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) listen during a press conference on Oct. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Mariam Zuhaib/AP

First Things First

👋🏾 Hi, hey, hello! Good Tuesday morning. Welcome to Day 21 of the government shutdown, now tied for …