1:23House Speaker Mike Johnson responds to queries at a news conference during the 16th day of the federal government impasse, at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 16, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
A preliminary record of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" broadcasting on Sunday, October 12, 2025, on ABC News is presented underneath. This version might not represent the definitive form, could undergo revisions, and may feature slight errors in the transcription process. For previous program texts, explore the "This Week" transcript directory.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
JONATHAN KARL, ABC “THIS WEEK” CO-ANCHOR: Numerous individuals show up for the "No Kings" demonstrations across the nation. Serene gatherings which certain Republicans describe as anti-patriotic gatherings. "THIS WEEK" is commencing immediately.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KARL: Demonstrators flood the thoroughfares nationwide. The most prominent exhibit of opposition since Trump’s return to the presidential seat.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And they’re characterizing me as a monarch. I am not a monarch.
KARL: A number of Republicans argue it's un-American. Democrats claim it embodies patriotism.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE REP. MIKE JOHNSON, (R) LOUISIANA: We label it as the anti-patriotic demonstration.
MINORITY LEADER REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES, (D) NEW YORK: What’s despicable is the occurrence on January 6th.
KARL: As the administration remains dormant, soon anticipated to be the lengthiest in U.S. annals.
MINORITY LEADER SEN. JOHN THUNE (R) SOUTH DAKOTA: No one prospers during an administration cessation.
MAJORITY LEADER SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D) NEW YORK: Listen, we’re abstaining from open negotiations, unequivocally.
KARL: A grand jury levies charges against another of Trump’s detractors, former National Security Advisor John Bolton.
TRUMP: And I harbor no admiration for John Bolton. I considered him contemptible, honestly.
KARL: As President Trump reduces the sentence of convicted fraudster George Santos, expressing, quote, “Santos possessed the valor, assurance, and sagacity to consistently support Republican ideals.”
And intrusion from overseas.
TRUMP: He doesn’t aspire to (EXPLETIVE DELETED) with the United States.
KARL: To what extent will the administration extend its military endeavors against Venezuela? How shall Congress react?
These subjects will be addressed by our highlighted guests this morning. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are joining us momentarily, live.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: From ABC News, this is "THIS WEEK." Presenting now, Jonathan Karl.
KARL: Good day. Welcome to "THIS WEEK."
It is the 273rd day of Trump’s presidential term. One thousand, one hundred and eighty-nine days remain. As our broadcast begins today, we are observing the convergence of two significant factors, the most substantial demonstration against Trump since Donald Trump reassumed the presidency and a further intensification of the president’s retribution campaign, as he utilizes governmental authority to target his political adversaries and reward his allies.
John Bolton, a prominent figure on Trump’s blacklist, has become the latest to face indictment by Trump’s Justice Department. Concurrently, George Santos, a former Republican legislator, is the most recent Trump supporter to be granted amnesty and freed from incarceration.
Millions of Americans engaged in the second "No Kings" rally this weekend. Assemblages occurred in urban centers and suburban areas across the country, spanning from New York to Georgia, to Texas and California, and numerous states in between. Based on one initial assessment, it could represent the most extensive one-day demonstration in excess of 50 years. Many participants arrived equipped with self-made placards protesting perceived despotic actions by the Trump leadership. Republican figures have characterized select messages as detestable and un-American.
This unfolds amidst an administration shutdown poised to enter its third week without any resolution anticipated. Democrats are declining to endorse the government’s reopening without an extension to health assistance packages scheduled to conclude in December, as premiums for a multitude of Americans are predicted to dramatically inflate absent an accord.
We’ll converse with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries shortly, exclusively on "THIS WEEK."
However, we initiate with ABC’s chief national correspondent Matt Gutman, reporting from the streets of Los Angeles as Saturday’s protests unfolded.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No kings!
CROWD: No kings!
MATT GUTMAN, ABC NEWS CHIEF NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Reaching nine months into Donald Trump’s second presidential tenure, the most widespread collective resistance to date is manifesting across the country Saturday, as millions participate in marches against what they assert is a president behaving like a monarch.
BILL NYE, SCIENCE EDUCATOR AND TV PRESENTER: No thrones, no crowns, no kings!
GUTMAN (voice over): Demonstrators are congesting thoroughfares in an estimated 2,500 urban centers and municipalities throughout the nation, emerging in both conservative and progressive states.
GUTMAN: Demonstrators situated here in Hollywood have taken control of a majority of street corners in this vicinity. This observation extends across the way. Such scenes are mirrored in a multitude of locations spanning the nation. While the prevailing sentiment is frequently playful, what has remained notably absent across most locations is any sign of animosity.
In Ohio, groups gather numbering in the hundreds on the premises of the statehouse. In a staunchly conservative setting, St. Augustine, Florida, swarms of demonstrators wield self-crafted signs alongside American flags.
Potentially representing the most substantial solitary demonstration conducted in proximity to President Trump’s dwelling, taking place within the capital city.
CHRISTIANE CORDERO, ABC NEWS: Several thousand individuals have populated Pennsylvania Avenue as participants in the "No Kings" demonstration here in D.C., unfolded mere blocks from the White House. While Trump is stationed in Florida during this weekend, a selection of Democratic senators has joined the protesters as the party seeks a cohesive strategy for countering the president’s second tenure platform.
GUTMAN (voice over): Republicans had endeavored to depict the demonstrations as demonstrations motivated by a hatred of the United States.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE REP. MIKE JOHNSON, (R) LOUISIANA: You will find that this combines Marxists, socialists, Antifa advocates, anarchists, and the pro-Hamas division of the far-left Democratic faction.
GUTMAN (voice over): This depiction drew stark condemnation from Senator Bernie Sanders.
SEN. BERNIE SANDERS, (I) VERMONT: Millions of Americans are emerging today, prompted not by animosity toward America, rather by affection for our nation.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KARL: Our appreciation to Matt Gutman.
I am accompanied presently by the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, who is physically present in this studio.
Speaker Johnson, your presence is valued.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE REP. MIKE JOHNSON, (R) LOUISIANA: Pleased to participate. Gratitude.
KARL: Therefore, let’s initiate with the No Kings assemblies. You characterized these as anti-patriotic rallies. Would you elaborate?
JOHNSON: Clearly, the assemblage of individuals I specified was involved to a certain extent. We commend their apparent execution of a non-violent, expressive assembly. I practiced as a First Amendment attorney over two decades. We advocate for that particular entitlement.
Nevertheless, the underlying contradiction is plainly obvious to most. If President Trump held monarchical authority, the government would currently be operating. Were President Trump to be a monarch, their access to that expressional occasion located on the National Mall would be unavailable. In the interim, the National Mall remains accessible on account of President Trump abstaining from its closure. During a past administration closure circa 2013, President Obama restricted access to the National Mall, obstructed all the National Parks, and disallowed the expression of these sentiments.
As such, it represents a staged performance. A grand demonstration. Chuck Schumer needs safeguards presently. He has caused the government’s standstill for personal security, and this played a role.
KARL: The topic of the shutdown warrants exploration subsequently. To reiterate the concept characterizing such occurrences as anti-patriotic events encompasses not solely the anarchists, Antifa proponents, and pro-Hamas division, additionally characterizing them as emblems of the present Democratic Party.
I recollect your declarations following the tragic incident involving Charlie Kirk, stipulating the importance of perceiving fellow citizens not as adversaries, rather as collaborators.
JOHNSON: Indeed. I have abstained from labeling an individual as an adversary. Although, we accentuate —
KARL: The characterization of a protest as anti-patriotic, coupled with the mention of groups such as Antifa and pro-Hamas, could denote a hostile tone.
JOHNSON: The past day brought forth numerous statements laced with malice. Captured visuals document intensely vehement language directed toward the president, advocating for the demise of fascism. Surely that could not be perceived as cordial language. Nor could that be perceived as supportive of American ideals via utterances of that nature.
As such, the crux rests on the articulated ideas and ideology, as opposed to the populace. I will periodically utilize our Sunday exchanges to spotlight the ramifications of Marxism and socialism, having precipitated a multitude of human lives within the 20th century independently. It poses as a perilous ideology, and furthermore, it contradicts American tenets. It runs diametrically counter to all that we hold dear.
KARL: Could it be inferred that such assertions are not all-encompassing in relation to the Democratic Party? And furthermore, are not suggestive of all individuals who took part in the demonstrations. Does it not bring to mind Hillary Clinton’s reference to factions of Trump adherents, categorizing them within the “basket of the deplorables”?
JOHNSON: Never did I utter statements along those veins. The entirety of the Democratic Party, for example, was not included in my earlier utterances. I must acknowledge that the reality encompasses —
KARL: Namely —
JOHNSON: If you would excuse me.
KARL: And that would be a depiction of the modern Democratic Party.
JOHNSON: Indubitably. Ponder the validation of that statement via current happenings within the framework of New York. An avowed socialist Marxist is on the precipice of selection as the chief executive for America’s most vast municipality. The rising prominence of Marxism within the Democratic sphere is undeniably self-evident. Such factual matters cannot be disputed.
Such a prospect triggers lament. And further incites condemnation. An endeavor to articulate awareness surrounding such matters constitutes a component within the undertaking. The understanding among the generations of American individuals that this path embodies perils is our function. I envision a calling and further consider such actions a duty conferred onto our elected roles.
KARL: Let us consider the administration cessation. Assigning culpability to the Democrats has been broached. And moreover, considering the authorization of a “clean” measure —
JOHNSON: Abstain from terms along the lines of “so-called.” The measure passed featured a purely clean slate.
KARL: Considering — consider maintaining continued funding across seven months, and furthermore, that the measure’s obstruction was a Democratic endeavor predicated on the perpetuation of Affordable Care Act assistance.
JOHNSON: An objection ensued, and with the objective of maintaining government operation, we submitted a bare-bones continued resolution spanning twenty-four pages.
KARL: Indeed.
JOHNSON: Their submission constituted a stained continued resolution. The measure contemplated the reinstatement of complimentary healthcare provided by taxpayers for unlawful immigrants. Two-hundred billion dollars constituted a segment, and furthermore, the allocation of funds returned to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been sought. Rural medical facilities stood to cede half a billion dollars, while the disbursement of finances would support international initiatives abroad.
KARL: Namely —
JOHNSON: Such measures represent positions on document, indicating the proposal’s thrust. We are abstaining from supporting that sort of legislation.
KARL: In summation, the proposed clean slate measure of the Democratic individuals has been rejected. Further, in an active decision to pursue cessation of government function, their focus rests within the sustenance of medical assistance in alignment with those stipulations you have specified.
May your explanation for the non-convening of the House during this period be provided.
JOHNSON: Primarily, advocacy for medical assistance forms our resolve. Both formally and tangibly, our focus rests within the big measure that constitutes tax cuts and reforms to sustain Medicaid by curtailing payments to illegitimate recipients. Our legislative efforts were aimed at sustaining citizens through tax revisions by preserving Medicaid, and further, at mitigating unauthorized recipients in that system, and further, unauthorized working individuals not possessing dependents drawing Medicaid payment. That issue drove efforts toward refinement.
Reversal to these refinements stands at the center of Chuck Schumer’s counter-proposal, which constitutes a detrimental shift for constituents.
KARL: This prompts a modified line of questioning. My previous phrasing focused upon the non-convening of the House, presently.
The earlier occurrences and preceding shutdowns, comprising the one of 2013 as cited, have been thoroughly examined by my analysis. From my recollection, the shutdown was interspersed with hearings by the House targeting President Obama’s response.
JOHNSON: Indeed.
KARL: Given the shutdown, could the underlying reasoning that dictates the non-convening of the House body be detailed.
JOHNSON: Duty has been followed. Precisely one month back, our clean resolution passed.
Continuation would provide for sustained government functions for citizens through maintenance of law enforcement salaries and sustained salaries for troops. Moreover, functions for air traffic control agents and veteran’s services would further see maintenance.
Democrats have demonstrated sustained dissension through the expression of 11 separate dissents, except in the case of three dissenters in the Senate. Voting has been enacted 11 times to dissolve government functioning through a cessation of programs and services.
KARL: As the issue remains unclear, and further, as a seven-week extension of temporary funding stands authorized, has the Republican body completed its pursuits? And for what reason could the legislative body not convene?
JOHNSON: Indeed, those aspirations comprise further goals. We will abstain from any future steps until the government’s functioning stands reinstated through the actions of Democrats, in proper conduct for the public. That group engages with power, but this power must prove to be used effectively to ensure appropriate actions.
The decision that rests within their control — it is a genuine statement. If examined by scrutinizing their actions and their voting patterns, the restoration of benefits for unlawful immigrants and citizens has taken precedence. As such, citizens providing for TSA and border patrol through taxpaying action have been de-emphasized.
It stands —
(CROSSTALK)
KARL: Namely, as you are well versed in, Medicaid nor the affordable assistance can be directed to undocumented —
JOHNSON: The explanation driving their objective comes through legal enactment during July 4.
KARL: Therefore —
JOHNSON: Through this legislative act, reversal can be sought. Their primary objective relates to that pursuit.
KARL: In providing a seven-week extension, the objective of providing opportunity to allow annual payment to flow has taken place.
JOHNSON: Certainly. Certainly.
KARL: The reason the endeavors toward that process are not currently underway begs inquiry.
JOHNSON: That objective remains an active pursuit. Physical presence on the House floor would be excessive.
KARL: Particularly, speaking —
JOHNSON: Our appropriators are laboring consistently around the clock. That engagement has historical precedence, and furthermore, that extends through bipartisan conversation to establish the next round of appropriation payments.
It is important to note that we undertook a simplified CR. Therefore, no Republican policy exists within.
(CROSSTALK)
KARL: Conversely, authorization of committee hearings for these budget authorizations has not transpired.
(CROSSTALK)
JOHNSON: It stands significant. Very significant. The House has authorized payment for 12 appropriation initiatives through the committee. No need for hearings exists toward authorizing such authorizations. Authorizations now rest off of the floor.
Senate Democrats have created that impediment. In understanding Senator Schumer’s wariness to having one of these Marxists vie against his re-authorization, political covering is key.
Having undertaken the proper steps in March and further, having ratified a near-identical continued resolution, acute heat occurred. Those present throughout prior protests are driving his decision.
KARL: Monitoring is absent, and no hearing has occurred. If I were to question —
JOHNSON: Oversight, to note, is underway.
KARL: The situation as mentioned notes a void in committee action and hearing.
JOHNSON: Jonathan, action transpired on Friday.
KARL: Ah, good.
JOHNSON: In that period, the Oversight Committee released the third installment within the Epstein matter.
KARL: It is —
JOHNSON: Those documents pertain to the Epstein affair and comprise logs of communication, traveling and financing. The calendar of events has been further added. Such matters remain actively undertaken. No necessity exists to be active on the House floor to undertake that action.
KARL: Therefore, Steve Bannon has identified the congressional actions as paralleling that of the Russian Duma, or an arm of Putin’s efforts. If I might inquire for the rebuttal toward that idea?
JOHNSON: The idea constitutes an absurd view. Unified governance currently represents an aim. People of the American sphere placed Republicans in power throughout the White House, the Senate, and the House.
In that purview, it has been understood that nine recent months in Congress and within this White House have been productively completed.
The current dichotomy serves as reference. Consider actions wherein President Trump and Republicans have decreased taxes and decreased policy to allow a surge of growth and further, a decline in crime and security on our borders.
Furthermore, his role involves the cessation of war and conflicting pursuits internationally.
How have Democrats been involved? Action driving a cessation of government function.
KARL: Oversight of the executive actions from President Trump are not well illuminated by your inquiries. If any issues exist privately, what level of criticism toward those actions has been delivered?
JOHNSON: Governance that stands unified drives that end. The President and I —
(CROSSTALK)
KARL: Could the idea of a unified stance stand as fully unified? What functions are conferred toward the check on the executive powers that reside within Congress.
JOHNSON: More functions stand authorized to Congress beyond the duties that constitute the authorization toward checking executive action. A body constituted in the constitution through Article one holds that potential.
KARL: Fine.
JOHNSON: Therefore, eminent responsibility is upheld in alignment with that constitutional responsibility. Decades of experience providing constitutional advisory further amplify this view and add to a passionate advocacy for its tenets.
The President and I maintain open dialogue discussing policy and making decisions related to action. Internal conversation ensures the delivery of appropriate leadership and further delivers unified governance.
Productivity remains high because of collaborative work, and this ensures the appropriate actions are underway to support the American society.
KARL: Upon what date can congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva be appointed?
JOHNSON: The answer remains upon our transition back into the next session once the administration’s work is reactivated from the actions of Chuck Schumer.
KARL: What actions driving the delays have transpired presently?
JOHNSON: The way that the organization is set up maintains that course. Further, the precedent from Pelosi will be followed. When dear friend from Louisiana, Julia Letlow, took the office of the spouse that she had through COVID, those actions were maintained within the Pelosi framework
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
