'Spineless tool': Internet shreds Mike Johnson as he defends Trump's 'poisoning' remark about immigrants, says 'it’s not hateful'

WASHINGTON, DC: In a recent interview on CBS News’s "Face the Nation," House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended one of former President Donald Trump's provocative statements on immigration, where the latter asserted that immigrants were "pouring into the United States and 'poisoning the blood of our country.'"

While distancing himself from the specific language, Speaker Johnson acknowledged the urgency behind Trump's warning, highlighting his consistent stance on securing the border since his first presidential campaign. Johnson stated, "That’s not the language I would use, but I understand the urgency of President Trump’s admonition."

“He’s been saying this since he ran for president the first time that we have to secure the border, and I think the vast majority of the American people understand the necessity of that and I think they agree with his position,” Johnson said.

Johnson's Perspective on Trump's Intent

When pressed by anchor Margaret Brennan about the potentially divisive nature of Trump's remarks, Johnson insisted, "It’s not hateful. What President Trump is trying to advance is his America first priority. And I think that makes sense to a lot of people."

He added, "The current President, President Biden wants additional supplemental spending on national security, but he denies the most important point of our own national security. And that is our own border.”

Brennan, however, challenged whether the points Trump raised could be conveyed without invoking notions of blood and purity. Johnson responded, "President Biden’s position is frustrating to us. It’s frustrating to the American people, and certainly to President Trump. And I think that’s what he’s articulating there."

Trump's controversial rhetoric drew criticism last month, with some drawing parallels to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. “All over the world, they’re coming into our country. From Africa, from Asia, all over the world,” the 45th POTUS said during a New Hampshire rally last month, insinuating that the influx will lead to an unprecedented uptick in crime. 

Trump's allies defended his remarks, asserting they were focused on the real concerns surrounding border security and illegal drugs.

Social Media Criticism

Meanwhile, critics of Trump lashed out at Speaker Johnson for his defense of the former president's remarks.

"What an embarrassing coward," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"And with that comment, Mike Johnson has no business being a congressman, let alone speaker of the House," another declared.

"Obviously a spineless tool. The ironic part is Trump is purposefully being hateful and evil and almost certainly wants his comments perceived that way but all the yes-men can’t quite get on board," someone else fumed.

"@SpeakerJohnson doesn’t have a spine of integrity if you can’t hold a former elected official accountable for their harmful words! Long goes the days [sic] conservatism believed in accountability for self and others," a comment read.

"Right, MAGA Mike, the fact that Trump’s 'poisoning the blood' vitriol perfectly tracks Hitler’s rhetoric, certainly doesn’t make it hateful fascism at all," another added. 

Speaker Johnson, currently in Eagle Pass, Texas, leading a delegation of around 60 Republicans to the U.S. southern border, described the situation as a "humanitarian catastrophe." He has escalated calls on President Biden to take executive action on the migrant influx, aligning with several House Republicans who demand strict immigration policies.

These demands are encapsulated in House bill H.R. 2, featuring hard-line immigration measures akin to those implemented under Trump, including increased border wall construction and new restrictions on asylum seekers. President Biden has promised to veto this bill if it reaches his desk.

As negotiations on border policies continue, Speaker Johnson and House Republicans are linking their support for President Biden's supplemental funding request for Ukraine to the adoption of H.R. 2. In contrast, Senate lawmakers are engaged in discussions with the White House to find common ground on border policies and unlock funding for Ukraine, The Hill reported.