Charlamagne tha God told ABC's This Week that the biggest surprise in 2025 politics was a widespread lack of respect for the working class, a problem he attributes to both parties. He cited DOGE budget cuts and a fall government shutdown as examples that harmed federal workers and families. Charlamagne urged lawmakers to reopen the government, noting missed paychecks, lost benefits and fixed premiums. He also acknowledged border enforcement gains while warning about the human costs for longtime residents and legal applicants.
Charlamagne tha God: 2025 Politics Revealed a Disregard for the Working Class
Charlamagne tha God speaks onstage during Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on Aug. 23, 2025, in Atlanta.
Charlamagne tha God told ABC's This Week that what surprised him most about politics in 2025 was a pervasive lack of respect for the working class — a failing he attributed to both major parties. The radio host and commentator pointed to concrete events this year that, in his view, exposed how disconnected many politicians are from everyday Americans.
Cuts, Shutdowns and Real Consequences
Asked by host Jonathan Karl what stood out politically this year, Charlamagne said,
"I was about to say the lack of respect for the working class. You know, because I always knew that America didn’t give a damn about poor people. America doesn’t care about poor people. America doesn’t really care about people who are just trying to make it every day, just trying to survive."
He cited the earlier so-called DOGE (Department Of Government Efficiency) cuts and the government shutdown in the fall as examples of policy fights that had direct, harmful effects on ordinary families and federal employees. He argued those decisions showed many elected officials do not appreciate or understand the financial strain their constituents face.
Charlamagne tha God appears at HOPE Global Forum on Dec. 2, 2025, in Atlanta.
Calls To Reopen The Government
Charlamagne emphasized the human costs of the shutdown, noting that many federal workers had already missed paychecks and that families relying on supplemental programs such as SNAP were hurt. On his radio show The Breakfast Club, he urged Democrats to cooperate with Republicans to reopen the government, saying,
"It’s time to reopen the government. I don’t care whose fault it was. Let’s stop playing politics with people’s lives."
He also warned that administrative details — like premiums already set for the year — meant delays and politicking could produce long-term harm for households juggling rent, childcare, utilities and car payments.
Border Policy: Gains and Human Costs
When asked where he thought President Donald Trump had been successful, Charlamagne acknowledged reported progress at the border, but he stressed the human cost of enforcement tactics. He questioned whether heavy-handed operations that detain long‑time residents or applicants pursuing legal status were appropriate, asking rhetorically whether Latino communities should be made to live in fear.
Charlamagne's remarks underscore a broader critique: in 2025, partisan battles and policy maneuvers often overlooked the immediate, practical consequences for working-class Americans and vulnerable communities.
