The current state of government shutdowns leaves uncertainty hanging like a storm cloud over the nation, and the fallout could be as unpredictable as planes falling from the sky.
In a recent appearance on CNN’s “The Source,” former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson took a bold stance by breaking from Democratic orthodoxy. He urged his party to prioritize the re-opening of the government, aligning himself with notable senators like John Fetterman (D-PA) and Angus King (I-ME). Johnson’s remarks spotlight a growing concern: if the government continues to be used as leverage for party agendas, it risks embedding a precedent that could have dire implications for governance.
“Ten years ago, Republicans threatened to shut down the Department of Homeland Security over immigration issues,” Johnson recounted. “A TSA worker from West Orange, New Jersey once approached me, sharing his struggle with stage-four cancer and dependency on his paycheck for medical co-pays. That moment was pivotal for me.”
He continued, “To successfully pass a budget, 60 votes are invariably necessary in the Senate. My concern is that the minority party may continue to attach essential government functions to unrelated issues, creating a dysfunctional dynamic.”
Watch the video below:
Jeh Johnson stresses the critical importance of resolving the shutdown so as not to jeopardize federal workers over partisan interests.
“I’m diverging from party lines. I’m a Democrat allied with John Fetterman and Angus King… The essential duty of Congress remains to fund the government.” pic.twitter.com/70Xmcp2CKW
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) October 11, 2025
In the ever-contentious arena of U.S. politics, one truth remains: a significant portion of the Democratic Party appears to harbor more animosity towards former President Trump than affection for the country or its foundational institutions. This ongoing fixation needs reassessment if progress is to be made.
Mike LaChance has been analyzing the intersections of higher education and politics since 2012. His insightful contributions have graced notable platforms such as the Gateway Pundit, Daily Caller, and Breitbart, as well as the Center for Security Policy and the Washington Free Beacon. Additionally, he has penned articles for American Lookout, Townhall, and Twitchy.
You can email Mike LaChance here, and read more of Mike LaChance’s articles here.