Speaker Mike Johnson has informed Rep. Mike Turner that he will no longer be the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Turner, a Republican from Ohio, will not be staying on as head of the panel that conducts oversight of the U.S. intelligence community. Johnson praised Turner for his service and stated that the change was due to the need for fresh leadership in the new Congress. Turner, known for his support of NATO and push for U.S. aid to Ukraine, said he was proud of his time leading the committee and will now serve on the Armed Services and Oversight and Government Reform committees.
The top post on the Intelligence Committee is chosen by the House speaker at the start of a new Congress. Johnson plans to announce Turner’s replacement on Thursday. The decision to replace Turner surprised lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as he was well-respected for his focus on national security. Some members of the GOP Main Street Caucus expressed disappointment in Johnson’s decision, calling it backroom politics and backstabbing.
House Republican sources said they do not know who Johnson will choose to replace Turner. Last year, Johnson appointed two Donald Trump loyalists to the Intelligence Committee, raising eyebrows in the intelligence community and around Capitol Hill. Democrats on the Intelligence Committee expressed concern over Turner’s removal, emphasizing his fair-mindedness and capability for the role. The move comes amid concerns about political influence in top intelligence and national security positions ahead of Trump’s potential return to the White House.
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