Oct 6, 2025 - Politics & Policy
Hill leaders blanket TV airwaves during government shutdown
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Congressional leaders are not talking to each other during this government shutdown, but they're being extra chatty on the airwaves — especially House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Why it matters: Both sides are adamant the other party is to blame for the shutdown. Convincing the American public is the best leverage any leader can have for shutdown-ending negotiations.
- Johnson has appeared in TV interviews at least twice as often as his three peers in the "Big Four."
Zoom in: Fox News and MSNBC received the most leader love, with six leader "hits" since the shutdown.
- All six on Fox were by Republicans, while Johnson appeared once on MSNBC.
- CNN and Fox Business have had four appearances each.
