Kingsley knew very well that Gaunt's remark was not actually a joke, but rather a reflection of the deep-seated thoughts of many senior Ministry officials.
The second wizarding war had finally ended, and the ensuing mess had put everyone through the wringer. Yet, as the leadership of the Ministry, they could not simply wash their hands of it and let things slide.
When they initially backed Kingsley—a man of exceptional capability—into power, it was precisely in the hope that he could clean up this mess. But Kingsley was clearly finding himself stretched thin, which was why they were so eager to invite Albert to join the Ministry.
Chapter 1457