Mike Johnson clashes with ABC host over Pentagon policy, 'No Kings' protests

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and ABC News host Jonathan Karl had a contentious interview on Sunday, October 19, arguing over Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's new limited press policy at the Pentagon and Johnson's strong rhetoric regarding the 'No Kings' anti-Trump protests. 

The two also exchanged sharp words over the ongoing government shutdown, with Johnson blaming Democrats for the impasse.

Mike Johnson defends Pete Hegseth's transparency amid press exodus

Karl questioned Johnson on Secretary Pete Hegseth's media availability, specifically the new policy requiring reporters to sign certain terms for access, which has caused dozens of reporters to relinquish their press badges. Karl asked outright if the Secretary of War was "afraid to deal with journalists." Johnson strongly denied the accusation, stating, "Fear is not part of the Secretary of War's make-up, OK?"

Karl responded with pushback, referencing that Hegseth has conducted just two press briefings and that “they’ve basically forced the Pentagon press out of the building unless they would agree to sign a pledge that would make it impossible to be independent journalists." Hegseth's record was defended by Johnson, stating his many public appearances and speeches demonstrate remarkable transparency. "I can’t remember, and I don’t think you can either, a secretary of defense who has been so transparent, out in the open, talking about priorities, principles and things," the Speaker contended.

Mike Johnson labels 'No Kings' protests anti-America and blames democrats

The discussion shifted to Johnson's description of the 'No Kings' protests as "hate America" rallies. Karl challenged the Speaker on his own polarizing rhetoric, including terms like "anarchists, antifa supporters, pro-Hamas wing," and his assertion that "this is the modern Democratic Party." 

Karl recalled Johnson's previous call for national unity, saying, "But I remember not that long ago what you said after the murder of Charlie Kirk when you said that we should view fellow Americans, not as our enemies, but as our fellow countrymen."

Although Johnson bristled at a comparison of his language to Hillary Clinton's "deplorables" comment, he defended his effort to caution Americans about the direction of the Democratic Party, citing the political rise of Zohran Mamdani. "Look at what's going on in New York," Johnson stated. "They're about to elect an open socialist Marxist as the mayor of America's largest city." 

Mike Johnson and Jonathan Karl clash over government shutdown

The interview ended with a fiery argument over the government shutdown. Johnson faulted Senate Democrats for the standoff, saying, "The House did its job, exactly a month ago today on September 19. We passed the clean resolution.” He added, “The Democrats have voted 11 times, except for three Democrats in the Senate, they voted 11 times to shut down the government and cease and halt those programs.” He concluded with a charged political remark, saying, "If President Trump was a king, the government would be open right now."