Internet skeptical as House Speaker Mike Johnson denies Trump's influence on border deal decisions

WASHINGTON, DC: In a recent interview on NBC News' 'Meet the Press', Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) defended the House's autonomy, dismissing suggestions that former President Trump was exerting undue influence on decisions regarding a potential border deal.

When pressed by Kristen Welker about Trump "calling the shots," Johnson firmly asserted, “Of course not. He’s not calling the shots. I am calling the shots for the House. That’s our responsibility. And I have been saying this far longer than President Trump has. I have been saying what the requirements are to fix the problem."

HR 2 principles remain non-negotiable for Johnson

Johnson, known for his unwavering support for HR 2, a hard-line conservative border deal, insisted that any bipartisan agreement should align with these principles. Despite increasing bipartisan efforts in the Senate to find common ground, some Republicans argue that President Biden possesses the executive authority to address border issues independently.

Trump has been vocal in discouraging Republicans from accepting any compromise on the border, highlighting its potential impact on the 2024 presidential election.

Johnson, however, stood firm in asserting that Trump's influence did not sway his decisions, stating, “I don’t care if they call the legislation HR 2 or not. What we’re saying is you have to stem the flow. The president has executive authority right now. As Congress does this negotiation and the debate and the discussion, the president could stop it."

When questioned about the stand-alone Israel aid package he proposed in a Saturday letter to colleagues, Johnson denied any ulterior motives. “No, we’ve made very clear what the requirements of the House were, and that is to solve the problem at the border,” he said, noting that the House has been “awaiting” due action from the Senate.

In a noteworthy revelation, Johnson indicated that the House had not been offered a briefing on the Senate's tentative deal on immigration and Israel aid.

When asked by Welker if he was offered a briefing, Johnson responded, "No, I have not been. No, I've had individual senators call and give me tips and offered things that are going on in the room. But we've not been a part of that negotiation."

Social media reactions

Social media was quick to react to Johnson's claim that Trump wasn't "calling the shots" in the GOP-controlled House.

"Trump not calling the shots in the House is like McDonald's not being involved in fast food—technically possible but against the natural order of the universe," one posted on X.

"He sounded like he was going to cry," another wrote.

"He better make the right call," someone else added.

"I do not trust this guy. Very suspect," another offered. 

White House responds to Johnson's remarks

Following Johnson's appearance on 'Meet the Press', White House spokesperson Andrew Bates issued a statement criticizing the Speaker's remarks. Bates argued that Johnson's statements were "inherently contradictory."

“Today Speaker Johnson continued to tie himself in knots to delay border security, delay crucial investments in the fight against fentanyl, and delay Border Patrol hiring — as a host of his House Republican colleagues openly state that they only oppose the bipartisan border deal because of former President Donald Trump,” he said in a statement.

Johnson argued on the Sunday program that the stand-alone Israel bill was an indispensable step since there was no leadership from other quarters of the government.

“We cannot wait any longer. The House is willing to lead, and the reason we have to take care of this Israel situation right now is because the situation has escalated,” he said, pointing to the recent US airstrikes targeting Iran-backed militant groups in response to the killing of three US soldiers, NBC News reported.

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