Washington, D.C. – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) told Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to quit whining about President Trump’s playful memes and instead focus on reopening the government.
Johnson Tells Jeffries: Stop Obsessing, Start Governing
At his Thursday press conference, Johnson ridiculed Jeffries for being “all alarmed” by Trump’s AI-edited videos showing him in a sombrero and mustache. Jeffries called the memes “racist” and demanded Trump “say it to my face.”
Johnson brushed it off.
“These are games. These are sideshows,” he said. “People are caught up in social media battles instead of working to serve the American people. To my friend Hakeem: Just ignore it.”
Democrats Cry Racism, Republicans Call It Humor
Johnson reminded reporters that even California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) mocked him with a video turning him into a yellow cartoon minion. “I laughed,” Johnson said. “You don’t respond to memes. You do the people’s business.”
But Democrats doubled down. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) blasted Johnson for not condemning Trump’s video, calling it “racist” and “bigoted.” Johnson replied simply: “It wasn’t my style.”
Vance: Trump Is Exposing Democrat Absurdities
Vice President J.D. Vance defended Trump’s humor, saying, “The president’s joking, and we’re having a good time. You can negotiate in good faith while still poking fun at Democrats’ absurd positions.”
Vance added a promise: “If Jeffries helps reopen the government, the sombrero memes will stop.”
The Bottom Line
Democrats are consumed by outrage over memes. Republicans are working to end the shutdown and restore common-sense leadership. Once again, Trump and his allies are showing they can laugh while still getting serious business done—something Democrats can’t seem to grasp.