Paul Ryan: Current state of politics 'fundamentally unserious'

Paul Ryan, the former House Speaker, accused both major parties of chasing populist rhetoric at the expense of fiscal responsibility, saying the nation’s politics have become “unserious.” Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” he lamented that lawmakers now prioritize short‑term gains over long‑term debt control, contrasting the current climate with what he remembers as a more disciplined past. Ryan warned that this focus on populism could undermine economic stability and urged a return to pragmatic budgeting. His remarks add to the growing chorus of former officials calling for a reset in American political priorities.

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) blasted the current state of American politics, arguing that both parties have focused on embracing populism rather than serious efforts to rein in the national debt. “Our politics are just fundamentally unserious right now, and they used to be better,” Ryan said Thursday during an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk...