House Speaker Johnson Criticizes Democrats on National Security

During an appearance on ABC’s This Week, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the Democratic Party for prioritizing social welfare over national security. Johnson’s comments came in response to co-host Jonathan Karl, who questioned the speaker’s characterization of recent No King rallies as “Hate America Rallies.” Johnson claimed that there is a “rise of Marxism in the Democratic Party,” citing the potential election of Zohran Mamdani, an openly socialist candidate endorsed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, as evidence.

Recent polling data from Gallup underscores Johnson’s concerns. According to a survey conducted one month ago, 66% of Democrats expressed a positive view of socialism, while only 42% held a similar view of capitalism. Conversely, among Republicans, 74% reported a positive view of capitalism, with just 14% favoring socialism. This reveals an ideological divide that has significant implications for the country’s national security.

Funding Issues Amid Government Shutdown

As the government faces a shutdown, Republicans are attempting to separate funding for the Department of Defense from broader budget negotiations. They are advocating for a separate bill that would allocate funds for the defense department for one year. However, Senate Democrats are blocking this bill unless Republicans agree to restore approximately $500 billion in funding for temporary enhancements to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) that were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Peter G. Petersen Foundation projects that discretionary defense spending will represent 2.9% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, matching its lowest level in the past 50 years. By contrast, the average annual defense spending as a percentage of GDP from 1975 to 2004 was over 4%. This decline in defense funding raises concerns about the readiness of U.S. military forces.

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office highlighted significant issues with the readiness of Army and Marine Corps ground vehicles. The report noted that “since fiscal year 2015, mission capable rates declined for 16 of 18 vehicles reviewed.” Additionally, the Navy’s acting chief of naval operations indicated that the service’s average combat-surge readiness is currently around 68%, citing challenges with shipbuilding and maintenance.

Long-term Economic Consequences

The situation is compounded by the growing federal debt. The Cato Institute warns that the enhanced subsidies for Obamacare that Democrats seek to restore could increase the deficit by $350 billion over the next decade. The analysis suggests that extending these temporary subsidies would not only inflate overall spending by more than $488 billion but also add an additional $60 billion in interest costs. Currently, interest on the federal debt is projected to consume 3.2% of GDP, exceeding defense spending.

Looking ahead, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that by 2035, interest on the federal debt will rise to 4.1% of GDP. This trend reflects the ongoing increase in national debt and raises questions about the sustainability of funding for both social programs and national security.

Johnson’s remarks echo a sentiment that the focus on expansive government programs is undermining the nation’s ability to maintain a robust defense posture. He cites historical references, including a quote from former President Ronald Reagan: “We know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak.” As discussions around funding and priorities continue, the potential implications for national security remain a critical concern for many lawmakers.