Mike Johnson Would Prefer Not To
The House speaker doesn’t want to get involved in the Max Miller scandal—or anything else that might seem like part of his basic duties as a leader.
TL;DR
- House Speaker Mike Johnson declined to comment extensively on the scandal surrounding Representative Max Miller, stating it is not his business and that the Ethics Committee process should proceed.
- Johnson's stance is questioned given his self-portrayal as a social conservative and the serious allegations against Miller, which include domestic abuse and illegal drug use.
- The article criticizes the 119th Congress for being one of the least productive in history, with only 104 laws enacted since January 2025.
- Johnson is accused of yielding power over budgets to the White House and failing to conduct sufficient oversight of the executive branch.
- The speaker has shown deference to Donald Trump, with reports suggesting Trump jokes about Johnson having 'two jobs: being president and being speaker.'
- In contrast to his inaction on the Miller scandal, Johnson appears to have been involved in pressuring Representative Chuck Edwards to drop his reelection bid after an Ethics Committee finding of unprofessional conduct.
- Johnson's reluctance to engage with scandals potentially allows individuals like Miller to claim his support, while his avoidance of other duties may set him up for a less burdened role in the next Congress.