CNN host Jake Tapper surprised viewers with his pushback of Democratic Senator Cory Booker in a discussion about the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.
During CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Booker attempted to pin the blame for the shutdown, which is stretching into its second month, on Republicans. But, with a recent wave of terror attacks in the nation and workers not getting paid over the impasse over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the New Jersey Democrat soon found his narrative hit a wall.
🚨 HOLY CRAP! Even CNN’s Jake Tapper just CALLED OUT Democrats and Sen. Cory Booker for being responsible for the DHS shutdown
CNN: “Isn’t it TIME for Democrats to reopen DHS?!”
BOOKER: “Republicans have refused!”
CNN: “They want the WHOLE agency funded!”
This is BRUTAL for… pic.twitter.com/FVKqhqRizw
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 15, 2026
“Isn’t it time for Democrats to reopen and refund DHS?” Tapper asked the senator.
“So first of all, Democrats have tried multiple times to try to get TSA, CISA, and the Coast Guard funded. Republicans have refused, time and time and time again, to fund,” Booker told the CNN host.
“Yeah, they want the whole agency funded,” Tapper noted, with Booker having no choice but to agree.
Senate Democrats have continued to block full funding for the agency despite the GOP’s efforts to end the shutdown.
“I will not approve another dollar for ICE, given all that they’re doing. But we should be funding those TSA agents that keep us safe, CISA, Coast Guard, and for Republicans to refuse to do it is unacceptable,” Booker insisted.
“Democrats are forcing TSA agents to work without pay for the third time in nearly six months. The financial hardship this Democrat-led chaos created has already forced more than 300 of these heroic officers to LEAVE the force,” the Homeland Security X account noted in a post.
Democrats are forcing TSA agents to work without pay for the third time in nearly six months.
The financial hardship this Democrat-led chaos created has already forced more than 300 of these heroic officers to LEAVE the force.
Democrats must fund DHS NOW. pic.twitter.com/KAWZNnZCPd
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 14, 2026
Social media users blasted Booker for his remarks and reacted to Tapper’s reality check.
Booker: “Republicans refused funding.”
Also Booker: “Republicans want the whole agency funded.” 🤔— Luca Taner (@LucaTaner) March 15, 2026
When @TheDemocrats has Jake calling them out than you know the polling isn’t in their favor
— Musings of a nobody (@JustaCi54400863) March 15, 2026
Democrats aren’t there to represent the American people. They’re there to push their personal policies and to enrich themselves.
— I.See.U (@IcU390119) March 15, 2026
What’s up with CNN actually getting tough on Democrats?
— Henry (aka Nautical Dusk) (@Car94Hen) March 15, 2026
WOW! I didn’t see that one coming! Neither did Cory… 🙄
— Lake Boss 🚤🐟🐕🦺🇺🇸 (@LakeBoss) March 15, 2026
Finally, even the media is calling out the betrayal. Democrats need to stop playing politics and fund DHS—America comes first! 🇺🇸🔥
— Victoria Byrne (@Thevictoria76) March 15, 2026
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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