This Week on Capitol Hill - Capitol Hill Shutdown Drama Continues

March 28, 2026·38 min·3 clips

James Rosen explains why this DHS shutdown is the longest ever and how it's hurting Republicans.

This episode of "This Week on Capitol Hill" covers the ongoing partial government shutdown and the conflict with Iran. Host Tony Perkins is joined by guests including Newsmax correspondent James Rosen, former Ambassador John Bolton, and Congressman Darren LaHood. The discussion centers on domestic political fallout and foreign policy objectives. The partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown has caused significant flight delays and is described as the longest such agency shutdown in history. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is cited blaming Democrats for the lack of a funding agreement. A potential deal is emerging where the Senate has passed a funding package, but ICE and Border Patrol funding would be carved out. President Trump previously linked signing such legislation to the passage of the SAVE Act concerning election integrity. House Speaker Mike Johnson is noted for navigating a tight Republican majority to advance the president's agenda. The conflict with Iran has lasted nearly a month, with President Trump stating Iran is "begging to make a deal" despite public claims they are not negotiating. Former Ambassador John Bolton argues the objective should be regime change in Iran to permanently eliminate nuclear and terrorist threats. He believes the regime is currently weak and unpopular, citing economic distress and dissatisfaction among young people and women. Congressman LaHood, on the House Intelligence Committee, states there are no specific, heightened homeland security threats from Iran at this moment but emphasizes vigilance. He also warns that China, which gets most of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, is actively working to replace U.S. global influence. James Rosen notes that polling shows a 10-point negative spread in public approval of the Iran war, though it remains popular within President Trump's MAGA base. He observes that the administration's military achievements, like degrading Iran's air force and missile inventory, are not being effectively messaged to the public. Tom Trada, a Salem Radio Network executive, reports that conservative talk radio callers largely support the president on the war but are concerned about rising gas prices. Bolton suggests that if the U.S. pulls back prematurely, Iran will learn it can outlast American pressure, emboldening adversaries like Russia and China. He advocates for increased aid to internal Iranian opposition groups, including Kurdish forces, to help destabilize the regime. The episode draws a historical parallel, questioning if modern American society has lost the capacity for national sacrifice compared to the public during World War II. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending news reporting with political commentary from a conservative perspective. The style is interview-driven, with the host posing questions to expert guests about current events. Listeners interested in conservative analysis of U.S. politics and foreign policy will find this episode engaging. Those seeking a bipartisan or left-leaning perspective on the shutdown or Iran conflict may prefer to skip it.

As heard by us

A Washington briefing linking the shutdown fight to Iran and national-security stakes.

This Washington segment ties two live pressure points together: the partial government shutdown that is affecting travelers at airports, and the war with Iran as it approaches the one-month mark.

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Why you'd press play

You want a shutdown-and-Iran episode that stays pointed and topical.

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