Newt Gingrich Says Dems Gave GOP 'Huge Gift' on Security

Former House Speaker claims Democrats' strategy on DHS funding creates political opening for Republicans

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:34am

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Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Monday that Democrats have handed Republicans a major political opportunity as debates intensify over national security, the threat from Iran, and funding disputes tied to the Department of Homeland Security. Gingrich cited the ongoing political fight over federal security funding, claiming the Democrats' strategy has created an opening for Republicans to sharpen their message and connect national security concerns directly to voters.

Why it matters

The debate over DHS funding and national security has become a key political battleground, with both parties seeking to leverage the issue for electoral advantage. Gingrich's comments suggest Republicans see an opportunity to paint Democrats as weak on security and out-of-touch with voter concerns.

The details

Gingrich appeared on 'Kudlow' and said the Democrats' opposition to Republican proposals to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the TSA, has given the GOP a 'huge gift.' He claimed Democrats are 'holding the country hostage for political reasons' and urged Republicans to attack Democrats like Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff for siding with 'California' over the interests of their own constituents. Gingrich also warned of the threat posed by Iran, saying the Iranian dictatorship has been 'at war with the United States since 1979' and is determined to obtain nuclear weapons.

  • Gingrich made the comments on Monday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Newt Gingrich

Former Republican Speaker of the House and prominent conservative commentator.

Jon Ossoff

Democratic Senator from Georgia.

Chuck Schumer

Democratic Senate Majority Leader.

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What they’re saying

“I really believe Trump's doing the right thing. And again, I think in terms of TSA [Transportation Security Administration], the Democrats have given Republicans this huge gift. They are holding the country hostage for political reasons.”

— Newt Gingrich, Former House Speaker (Kudlow)

“Remember, all you have to ask is a straightforward question: What is it worth to you to not have an Iranian nuclear weapon wipe out your city? You can be faced literally with your city being destroyed. This is not fear-mongering. The Iranian dictatorship has been at war with the United States since 1979.”

— Newt Gingrich, Former House Speaker (Kudlow)

What’s next

The ongoing debate over DHS funding and national security is likely to continue to be a major political flashpoint, with both parties seeking to leverage the issue for electoral advantage ahead of the 2024 presidential and congressional elections.

The takeaway

Gingrich's comments suggest Republicans see an opportunity to portray Democrats as weak on national security and out-of-touch with voter concerns, potentially shifting the political dynamics around these issues. However, the complex geopolitical realities and public skepticism around continued military engagement complicate the political calculus for both parties.