The Speaker Who Gave the House Away

Outgoing Speaker of the House Mike Johnson made a statement earlier this year expressing his intention to support President Trump and his administration. This approach has been consistent throughout Johnson's tenure, as he has consistently prioritized Trump's interests over those of the House institution. Johnson's actions have raised questions about his effectiveness as a speaker and his commitment to the core responsibilities of the House.

During his time in office, Johnson has repeatedly sided with Trump, even when it conflicted with the constitutional and civic duties of the Speaker. For instance, when Trump launched a war against Iran without congressional approval, Johnson tried to prevent a vote from being held to rebuke the president's actions. Johnson also delayed the swearing in of newly elected Democrat Adelita Grijalva for 50 days, potentially stalling her opportunity to represent her constituents due to her support for the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

Furthermore, Johnson has shown a lack of oversight in the House, allowing Trump to act with impunity on various matters. This includes pardons and clemency, stock profiteering, and suspicious no-bid federal contracts. Johnson's House has largely abdicated its responsibility to ensure that the administration remains within its constitutional boundaries.

While it is difficult to definitively point to the worst Speaker in history, given the numerous individuals who have held the position, Johnson's actions suggest he may rank among the most problematic. His willingness to prioritize Trump's agenda over the institution's constitutional responsibilities has been a major concern. As the full consequences of his tenure become apparent, it is clear that Johnson's approach to the Speaker role has been detrimental to the House and the nation as a whole.