House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) took a shot at Democrats as he insisted Republicans had a "great year" despite his party overseeing the longest government shutdown in history, a massive progressive swing in the election, and polling showing President Donald Trump and the GOP underwater in the polls.
Johnson wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal whining that Democrats wouldn't go along with the GOP's Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, which he said contradicted their own 2017 position, when 196 Democrats, including the current minority leader, urged President Trump to adopt similar healthcare reforms. Johnson said the bill would expand healthcare access, reduce premiums by 11%, and save taxpayers billions.
Johnson accused Democrats of playing politics over policy, and claimed leadership has prioritized preserving issues for election purposes rather than tackling problems.
"Today’s Democrats offer nothing new: more government, higher taxes and costly bailouts for insurance companies—paid for, as always, by the taxpayer. Has any national Democrat offered any policy solution that involves anything else?" he wrote.
Johnson then highlighted what he saw as key Republican accomplishments, citing the passage of 441 bills in Trump's first year, including the Working Families Tax Cuts package signed on the Fourth of July.
"Chief among our accomplishments was the Working Families Tax Cuts package, signed into law on July 4, which delivered the bulk of the Republican agenda in one bill, and, crucially, early enough in the year that its effects can be felt quickly," he touted.
Johnson did not mention that the bill had to be rebranded from the "One Big Beautiful Bill" due to its deep unpopularity with Americans. A July CNN poll found roughly 6 in 10 Americans opposed the megabill after it was signed into law, with only about 4 in 10 in favor.
Similarly, a Wall Street Journal–cited poll reported that 52% opposed Trump’s megabill, compared to 42% in support.
Johnson also bragged about the economy under Trump, touting declining consumer prices since March, with core inflation cooling to 2.7%, and workers' real wages projected to increase by $1,200.
Americans, however, aren't as rosy about the economy.
Americans have become increasingly critical of the direction the economy is headed under the MAGA-fied government, with Time noting the Gallup Economic Confidence Index "sits at -33, its lowest point since July 2024." An AP/NORC poll, meanwhile, found that about seven in 10 adults described the economy as "poor."
Adding to the "great year" for Johnson's GOP: a Marist poll last month showed Democrats held a 14-point lead over Republicans at 55% to 41% in the generic ballot, marking the largest margin in more than three years. Just a year ago, the same poll had the parties tied at 48%.
