Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the House, shared insights from a private conversation he had with President Joe Biden, indicating concerns about the president’s memory. During an interview on the “Honestly” podcast with Bari Weiss, founder and editor of The Free Press, Johnson discussed the interaction that happened almost a year ago. He pointed to this experience as a sign that Biden has not been fully in charge for some time, a situation Johnson finds troubling.
The conversation between Johnson and Biden took place during a late February 2024 meeting at the White House about military aid to Ukraine. At this meeting, Johnson raised concerns about Biden’s executive decision to freeze U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Johnson feared that this move would make European allies overly reliant on Russian gas, inadvertently supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military efforts and impacting LNG projects in Louisiana, Johnson’s home state. Johnson recounted that Biden seemed surprised by Johnson’s comments and insisted he had not issued such an order.
Johnson reminded Biden that he had signed an executive order related to LNG three weeks prior. Despite Biden’s insistence, Johnson offered to have the order printed out for clarity. Biden’s response was one of confusion, as he initially misunderstood the topic of discussion. Biden had claimed he authorized a study on LNG impacts, but Johnson clarified that the policy was already being implemented in Louisiana, affecting both the economy and national security. Johnson expressed concern, reflecting that Biden genuinely seemed unaware of what he had signed, prompting questions about who was truly managing the country’s affairs.
Johnson suggested that influential figures from Biden’s administration, possibly those from his Democratic primary rivals, might be formulating policies without Biden’s full awareness. He emphasized that his critique of Biden lacked any personal animosity, but he still regarded Biden as “the worst president in the history of the country.” Johnson expressed compassion for Biden, acknowledging the challenges he faces in the later years of his life.
Johnson also addressed the nature of Republican politics, especially in light of his narrow reelection as Speaker on January 3. He described Republicans as more individualistic compared to Democrats, who he felt were united by a socialist, collectivist, or unionist ideology. Johnson praised the Republican spirit of independence but acknowledged the difficulties it posed when attempting to achieve consensus with a slim majority. He emphasized the importance of fostering consensus while respecting individual principles, stating that mutual respect among colleagues could help navigate frustrations and differences.
In discussing his relationship with President-elect Donald Trump, Johnson highlighted their strong rapport since both entered Washington in 2017. Despite occasional policy disagreements, Johnson felt that Trump respected the nature of those disagreements and appreciated their honesty. This ongoing dialogue between the two has been frequent, according to Johnson.
During the podcast, Johnson entertained the audience with an impression of Trump, demonstrating their amicable relationship. He also shared his work on a book about conservatism, hinting at his continued engagement with political and ideological discourse.
Reflecting on the broader political landscape, Johnson expressed his vision for a GOP-led “new golden age.” He touched on various topics, including the influence of prominent figures like Elon Musk and Steve Bannon. Johnson’s comments on Biden and his administration reflect his broader concerns about leadership and governance in the current political climate.
Johnson’s remarks offer a glimpse into the complexities of political leadership, party dynamics, and the challenges of navigating personal relationships in the political arena. His insights shed light on the intricate balance required to maintain effective governance while respecting diverse viewpoints within his party and across the political spectrum.
