Mike Johnson Removing Mike Turner From Top Committee Sparks Backlash

House Speaker Mike Johnson removing Republican Representative Mike Turner from his role as chair of the powerful House Intelligence Committee has sparked backlash from critics who accuse Johnson of advancing the interests of Russia by removing Turner, an outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin.

Newsweek contacted Johnson and Turner via email for comment.

Why It Matters

The House Intelligence Committee is responsible for some U.S. military matters and oversight of the American intelligence community. Turner, an outspoken advocate for continued U.S. aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia, has chaired the committee since 2023.

Johnson's move to remove Turner could signal a change meant to bring the House in line with the policies of the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has hinted that he does not favor continuing aid to Ukraine.

What To Know

Turner, an Ohio Republican, confirmed he had been removed on X, formerly Twitter. In a conversation with CBS News' Margaret Brennan Turner, he said that Johnson cited "concerns from Mar-a-Lago" as a reason for his removal.

However, Johnson denied that Trump influenced the move, telling ABC's John R. Parkinson: "This is not a President Trump decision. This is a House decision. And this is no slight whatsoever to our outgoing chairman."

Turner, who has served on the committee since 2015, will no longer hold any position on it because of term limits, although the chairmanship is exempt from those rules.

During last year's presidential campaign, Turner publicly denounced Trump's false claim that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, part of the district Turner represents, had been eating residents' pets.

Turner's removal as committee chair sparked backlash from critics who described it as a move advancing Russia's interest or as Trump eroding congressional independence and oversight by removing people he disagrees with from their posts.

What People Are Saying

Jim Himes, Democratic representative from Connecticut, on X: "Mike Turner is dedicated to national security and thoughtful oversight of the IC [Intelligence Committee]. His removal makes our nation less secure and is a terrible portent for what's to come. The Constitution demands Congress function as a check on the Executive Branch, not cater to its demands."

Adam Kinzinger, former Republican representative from Illinois and a frequent Trump critic, on X: "Regardless of your politics, @MikeTurnerOH was among the best Intel committee chairmen. The fact that he was fired from Mar-A-Lago proves one thing: there is no oversight, just a rubber stamp congress.

Republicans Against Trump, on X: "Speaker Johnson, in what appears to be a direction from Donald Trump, has decided to remove Rep. Mike Turner as chair of the House Intelligence Committee, according to Punchbowl News. His 'sin'? He's too pro-NATO, too supportive of Ukraine, and 'too close' to the intelligence agencies.... This is extremely concerning!"

Norman Ornstein, political scientist, on X: "I will reserve final judgment on Mike Johnson and the Intelligence Committee until we see who he picks for its chair. But I can say now that no one is more happy that Johnson has removed Mike Turner than Vladimir Putin."

What Happens Next

Johnson must select a new leader for the House Intelligence Committee. With Trump's second term set to begin on Monday, the decision could come soon to align the committee's direction with the new administration's priorities.