Democrat Stunned By GOP’s Decision
In a move that stunned many on Capitol Hill, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has chosen to kick out Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) from his position as Chairperson of the House Intelligence Committee. The decision caught not only Republicans off guard but also raised eyebrows among Democrats, including Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), who serves as the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Warner, a strong advocate for bipartisan cooperation, expressed his shock at the decision, describing it as completely unexpected and out of the blue.
Turner, who had been appointed to the position in 2022 by then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), was widely respected for his leadership and commitment to national security. Warner praised Turner for his bipartisan approach to overseeing the U.S. intelligence community, a role critical to safeguarding American interests both at home and abroad. “Mike Turner brought respect back to the House Intelligence Committee,” Warner said, acknowledging the significant progress Turner made in bridging the partisan divide.
Warner also speculated that Turner’s steadfast support for Ukraine and his vocal opposition to Russian propaganda could have contributed to his removal. Turner had been one of the strongest Republican voices advocating for military aid to Ukraine, even calling out fellow Republicans who echoed pro-Russian rhetoric, which he identified as part of a Russian disinformation campaign targeting the U.S. Congress. “Russian propaganda has absolutely infiltrated some of our discussions on the Hill,” Turner stated in an interview earlier this year.
The decision to oust Turner was also criticized by Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, who argued that Turner’s removal would make America less secure. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called it “shameful,” further emphasizing Turner’s importance as a principled leader focused on the nation’s security.
While it’s unclear why Speaker Johnson chose to make this change, many are concerned about the implications for the future of the committee and its ability to operate with the same level of effectiveness and bipartisanship that Turner brought to the role. As Republicans continue to navigate the complexities of national security and foreign policy, one can only hope that the leadership that Turner exemplified will be replaced with someone equally committed to protecting America’s interests.