House Speaker Mike Johnson sharply criticized Democrats on Thursday, accusing them of being “perfectly okay with real pain being felt by real Americans” if it serves their political objectives.

In his statement, Johnson charged that Democratic leaders are leveraging fiscal pressure and economic hardship to push through a $1.5 trillion spending package, which he said would expand government programs and restore healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants — all “funded by U.S. citizens.”

“[Democrats are] perfectly ok with ‘real pain’ being felt by real Americans, as long as it helps their political agenda,” Johnson said. “As long as they can force $1.5 trillion new dollars in spending on America and get illegal aliens back on healthcare funded by U.S. citizens.”

The Speaker’s remarks come amid heated budget negotiations on Capitol Hill, as Congress faces mounting pressure to finalize federal spending bills before year’s end. Johnson and House Republicans have framed their opposition around protecting taxpayers and curbing inflationary spending, while Democrats argue that the proposed funding supports essential services and social programs.

Political analysts note that Johnson’s comments reflect broader GOP messaging ahead of the 2026 midterms — positioning Republicans as defenders of fiscal restraint and border integrity, while casting Democrats as out of touch with working-class economic realities.

The White House has yet to directly respond to Johnson’s remarks, though administration officials have maintained that the spending framework is designed to “strengthen the middle class and invest in America’s future.”

As negotiations continue, the rhetoric from both parties suggests a volatile political fight that could once again bring Washington to the brink of a government shutdown.