House Speaker Mike Johnson said a short government shutdown could be “inevitable” and urged Americans to take pride in the country as World Cup visitors stream through U.S. cities. Speaking June 24 in Washington, D.C., Johnson contrasted foreign fans’ enthusia
When millions of World Cup fans poured into U.S. airports and rental cars, House Speaker Mike Johnson used the moment to make a different argument about politics at home—and about what Americans should feel about their country.
Speaking June 24 in Washington. D.C. Johnson said logistics are a challenge as the games bring international visitors across the United States. and warned that a short government shutdown may be “inevitable.” He linked both themes to national confidence. telling audiences that Americans should take greater pride as foreign visitors get “a little taste of America.”.
“We’re seeing people from different countries come and get a little taste of America, a little taste of freedom, of our culture and our society,” Johnson said. “And they appreciate it so much more than these socialists running for Congress.”
Johnson pointed to the way World Cup tourists and players have responded to what he called the country’s “world-class facilities” and “incredible atmosphere. ” along with everyday American experiences. He described visitors leaning into local habits and customs—turning routine stops into cultural snapshots.
He cited specific examples from foreign visitors, including Dutch travelers marveling at Buc-ee’s gas stations and German players visiting Waffle House. English fans, he said, have been exploring the Everglades, while Japanese tourists reacted to free chips and salsa.
“Don’t forget your blessings,” Johnson said.
His remarks landed as Americans report mixed levels of national pride. An NBC News poll published this week found 33% of respondents say they are “extremely proud” to be American, while 23% say they are “very proud.” About 21% said they are “only a little” or “not at all” proud.
The World Cup itself is unfolding across 11 U.S. cities—Atlanta, Miami, Boston, New York, Dallas, Philadelphia, Houston, the San Francisco Bay Area, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The United States is hosting matches through July 19. and is expected to attract at least 10 million visitors. according to State Department data.
Earlier reporting highlighted how visitors are documenting their experiences on social media and chasing American food trends. including Crunchwrap Supremes. Big Macs. and Triple Dippers. People have been enjoying the food so much that the Transportation Security Administration posted a warning on social media alerting travelers to pack their ranch in checked luggage.
As the games continue, Johnson’s comments put two parallel pressure points in the spotlight at once: the strain of a possible shutdown and the political meaning he draws from how outsiders react to American life.
Mike Johnson government shutdown World Cup national pride U.S. House Speaker Buc-ee’s Waffle House TSA immigration visitors polling
World Cup fans at Waffle House and he’s talking about a shutdown? ok.
So he wants us to be proud because Germans are getting free chips and salsa?? Meanwhile y’all are trying to shut down the government again like that doesn’t affect everybody. Confusing priorities.
I swear every time someone mentions Buc-ee’s it turns into politics lol. Also “socialists running for Congress” like what does that have to do with airport rental cars and tourists. Maybe they just wanna brag about America and not pay attention to the shutdown part?
Government shutdown inevitable but hey at least Dutch people are marveling at Buc-ee’s (??). I feel like he’s just trying to spin everything so nobody notices. Also NBC poll says 33% extremely proud… so the other 67% are secretly mad at freedom? idk man, seems like a reach.