House Speaker Mike Johnson faced off against ABC News host Jonathan Karl on Sunday in a heated exchange that touched on multiple contentious issues within the political landscape. The discussion centered on Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s new Pentagon press policy, which has sparked controversy among media outlets, and Johnson’s comments about the anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protests sweeping the country. Karl questioned Hegseth’s approach, suggesting that the secretary of defense appears to fear interaction with journalists. Johnson countered by asserting that fear is not part of Hegseth’s character, emphasizing the secretary’s transparency in public appearances and speeches.
The debate over the Pentagon press policy intensified as Karl highlighted the scarcity of press briefings under Hegseth’s leadership, attributing this to the new conditions imposed on journalists. He argued that the policy effectively pushed the press out of the building, limiting their ability to operate independently. In response, Johnson reiterated his belief in Hegseth’s commitment to openness and transparency, insisting that the secretary’s public engagement demonstrated a willingness to engage with the media and share information freely with the public.
The conversation also took a turn toward Johnson’s rhetoric on the ‘No Kings’ protests, as Karl challenged the speaker’s portrayal of the demonstrations as ‘hate America’ rallies. Karl pointed out that Johnson’s rhetoric included references to anarchists, antifa advocates, and pro-Hamas groups, suggesting that this language echoed past criticisms of political figures. Johnson defended his stance, arguing that the protests represented a shift in the Democratic Party’s values and warned of the rise of socialist influences in American politics, citing the potential for a Marxist mayor in New York City.
As the discussion progressed, the pair also addressed the government shutdown debate, with Karl expressing frustration over the House’s inactivity. Johnson, however, maintained that the House had completed its necessary work a month prior, emphasizing that the government should remain open if President Trump were to be considered a ‘king.’ The exchange underscored the growing tensions in the political arena, with both speakers asserting their positions on critical issues facing the nation.