Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., shared sharp criticism of Democratic leadership during an interview on “Will Cain Country,” reflecting on political fallout from the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Kennedy argued the shutdown has exposed divisions within the Democratic Party, putting added pressure on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
He claimed Schumer took a political risk that backfired: “Senator Schumer gambled, and he lost. He’s kind of walking around now looking like a guy who just lost his luggage.” He added a more provocative quip, saying Schumer is still waiting for his “testicles…on back order from China.”
Kennedy framed the situation as a struggle between the progressive faction of the party — which he described as the “Bolshevik wing” — and more traditional Democratic figures like Schumer. While acknowledging Schumer’s understanding of his party’s more outspoken members, he claimed the leader is nevertheless “scared of them.”
The progressive wing, Kennedy continued, is largely defined by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who he argued has strong media influence but thin policy depth. “The congresswoman is a creation of the media,” he said, adding, “If you scratch the surface, you just get more surface.”
Kennedy then offered proposals aimed at preventing future government shutdowns, including withholding congressional pay during any shutdown and requiring members of Congress to remain within 100 miles of Washington, D.C., until the government reopens.
“If you do that, the shutdowns, if you have any, will be very short,” he said. Kennedy noted that he did not take a salary during the shutdown.
He also addressed the ongoing debate over the Senate filibuster — a procedural tool that allows a small number of senators to stall legislation, requiring 60 votes to break. Fox News host Will Cain asked how the filibuster factored into the shutdown, and Kennedy emphasized that the tactic prevents “bad ideas” from becoming law.
Kennedy said President Donald Trump recently encouraged Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, urging what he has called the “nuclear option.” But Kennedy maintained his support for preserving it, arguing that major policy proposals under former President Joe Biden would already have passed without this procedural safeguard.
