CNN's Jake Tapper Calls Out Democrats for DHS Shutdown

Tapper presses Senator Cory Booker on Democrats' responsibility for the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding impasse.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:20pm

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In a surprising moment on CNN's 'State of the Union,' host Jake Tapper directly challenged Democratic Senator Cory Booker on the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, asking whether it's time for Democrats to step up and restore full funding to the agency. Tapper noted that House Republicans have twice passed legislation to end the shutdown and fully fund DHS, but Democrats have blocked comprehensive bills, insisting on piecemeal appropriations for select sub-agencies.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown has had significant real-world impacts, including more than 300 Transportation Security Administration employees quitting due to lack of pay. Partial funding could also cripple border security and immigration enforcement at a time of heightened terror threat. This exchange highlights the partisan divide over the shutdown and the political stakes involved.

The details

Tapper pressed Booker, asking 'Isn't it time for Democrats to reopen and refund DHS?' Booker claimed Democrats have tried to fund specific parts of the agency, but Republicans have refused unless it's fully funded. Tapper pushed back, noting 'They want the whole agency.' The DHS shutdown began after Senate Democrats blocked full funding, insisting on piecemeal appropriations while rejecting comprehensive bills passed by House Republicans.

  • The DHS shutdown is now into its second month.
  • House Republicans passed legislation to end the shutdown and fully fund DHS on March 5.

The players

Jake Tapper

Host of CNN's 'State of the Union' program.

Cory Booker

Democratic Senator representing New Jersey.

House Republicans

Members of the Republican Party in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Senate Democrats

Members of the Democratic Party in the U.S. Senate.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including border security, immigration enforcement, and counterterrorism.

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What they’re saying

“Isn't it time for Democrats to reopen and refund DHS?”

— Jake Tapper, Host

“They want the whole agency.”

— Jake Tapper, Host

What’s next

House Republicans have passed legislation twice to end the shutdown and fully fund DHS, but it remains to be seen if Senate Democrats will agree to comprehensive funding or continue to insist on piecemeal appropriations.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the partisan divide over the DHS shutdown and the real-world impacts it is having, including on critical homeland security functions. It underscores the political stakes involved as both parties jockey for position ahead of potential budget negotiations and the 2028 election cycle.