Mike Johnson irks GOP by appointing Trump loyalists Scott Perry, Ronny Jackson to Intelligence Committee
WASHINGTON, DC: Speaker Mike Johnson recently made a discreet but controversial decision to appoint two loyalists of former President Donald Trump, Scott Perry and Ronny Jackson, to the House Intelligence Committee, as per The Washington Post.
This move has incited significant backlash among some House Republicans, leading to an outpouring of concern and confusion within the party. Lawmakers' phones were filled with messages from shocked colleagues, and inquiries were directed to the highest levels of leadership for clarification.
Mike Johnson causes uproar by appointing Scott Perry and Ronny Jackson
Among those seeking answers was former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who found it crucial to understand the reasoning behind Johnson's appointments.
The unease is particularly notable regarding Perry, a member of the hardline House Freedom Caucus. Jackson's appointment, while also contentious, has not generated the same level of concern, as he is not known for frequently opposing GOP leadership.
The appointments are surprising, especially given McCarthy's previous efforts to depoliticize the Intelligence Committee in collaboration with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and key committee leaders, Chairman Michael R Turner and ranking Democrat Jim Himes.
These leaders had worked together to reduce partisanship on the committee after years of increased political tensions. Johnson defended his decision in conversations with McCarthy and other Republicans, attributing the appointments to pressure from Trump.
Trump's influence is evident in his recent interactions with House Republicans, where he continued to criticize the intelligence community, calling the Justice Department "dirty, no-good bastards" during a meeting.
One high-ranking Republican expressed concern, saying, "Johnson has reversed course on this committee and has now made it political again. He has reversed all the advances, which could harm America’s preparedness. This is not a place to play games. This is not a place to appease somebody. This is where you got to do the real work."
Johnson provided a brief explanation to The Washington Post, stating that he believes it is "important to have a broad spectrum of perspectives on that committee" and that both Perry and Jackson are "going to do a good job."
The appointments came shortly before Trump rallied House Republicans on Capitol Hill, urging unity behind a political and policy message aimed at securing a GOP majority in the upcoming elections.
Johnson and Trump share a relatively close relationship, with the former president praising Johnson and attempting to prevent hard-liners from ousting him. Following Trump's recent criminal conviction, Johnson announced that the House would intensify its oversight of the Justice Department.
The Intelligence Committee is responsible for receiving highly classified briefings on sensitive national security matters. Johnson has acknowledged that his perspective on providing aid to Ukraine changed after receiving high-level intelligence briefings, and he has urged skeptical Republicans to attend such briefings.
Mike Johnson's appointment of Scott Perry and Ronny Jackson draws flak online
Johnson's appointment of Trump loyalists Perry and Jackson ignited swift backlash across social media. One Facebook user said, "This little worm is Trump’s special errand boy. He’s lost whatever integrity he ever had, which wasn’t too great." Another remarked, "Disgusting. These creeps go not care about the country. It’s party over us!"
A third user wrote, "Sold his soul just like the rest of the pathetic magats." Another user mentioned, "When they handed their souls to the devil he took their little minds and conscience away from them too."
One user posted, "Placing liars and deniers in key positions. Sounds like a trump administration. Anything to underscore our security, government and judicial system. He truly hates America."
A sixth user commented, "Just another despicable & destructive Conservative !! Stop voting for Republicans." Another stated, "GOP, soul bought and sold by Trump." Someone else said, "Doing something because someone else told you to is the definition of a puppet. Not a definition of a leader."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
