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Speaker Johnson removes Mike Turner as Chairman of House Intel Committee

House Speaker Mike Johnson has removed Rep. Mike Turner from his position as Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, according to reports from Politico.

The decision highlights long-standing tensions between the two Republicans, primarily over Ukraine funding and differing national security priorities.

Turner, a staunch advocate for military aid to Ukraine and other hawkish foreign policy measures, had increasingly clashed with Johnson’s approach to international issues.

His removal follows nearly a year of friction, particularly after Johnson blocked a Senate-approved aid bill that would have allocated billions of dollars to Ukraine.

In February 2024, Turner publicly sounded the alarm over what he described as a “serious national security threat” linked to Russia.

According to CNN, sources familiar with the classified intelligence indicated the threat involved a “highly concerning and destabilizing” Russian capability.

Turner’s warning came shortly after Johnson’s decision to kill the aid bill, leading to speculation that Turner’s alarm was part of an effort to pressure the Speaker into action.

Speaker Mike Johnson reaffirmed that he didn’t get influenced by President Trump to make the decision, saying, “This is not a President Trump decision, this is a House decision, and this is no slight whatsoever to our outgoing chairman.”

The timing of Turner’s announcement raised eyebrows. Just days before raising the alarm, Turner had traveled to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

During a press conference, he assured reporters, “The United States is working diligently in the House of Representatives and the Senate to secure the funding that is necessary in 2024.”

Upon returning, Turner intensified calls for swift passage of the aid bill, warning that any delay would “abandon Ukraine” during a critical time in the conflict.

“We have to get this done,” Turner urged, emphasizing Ukraine’s urgent need for munitions. “The speaker will need to bring it to the floor.” However, Johnson resisted, leading to further strain between the two lawmakers.

Turner’s advocacy for Ukraine aid and his subsequent warnings about national security threats appeared to exacerbate the discord.

Johnson’s decision to remove Turner from the Intelligence Committee Chairmanship is widely seen as a response to the ongoing disagreements and Turner’s public pressure campaign.

Initial reports suggested that former President Donald Trump had influenced Johnson’s decision to remove Turner, but Trump’s team has denied any involvement.

A spokesperson clarified that Trump did not request the ouster, countering claims made in early reports.

Turner’s removal underscores broader divisions within the Republican Party over foreign policy, particularly regarding U.S. support for Ukraine.

While Turner has championed aggressive measures to counter Russian aggression, Johnson has taken a more cautious approach, aligning with factions of the GOP that are skeptical of continued funding for Ukraine.

The move is expected to deepen existing rifts within the party, as lawmakers grapple with balancing national security concerns, fiscal priorities, and the public’s appetite for foreign engagement.

Johnson’s leadership decision also sends a clear message about the Speaker’s willingness to enforce his vision for the House’s agenda, even if it means sidelining prominent committee leaders.

Turner has not yet commented publicly on his removal.