Mike Turner, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, was reportedly ousted from his position on Wednesday, only a few days before Donald Trump, the next president, took office. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, made the decision.
Johnson responded to the question of whether or not Trump played any part in the decision by stating that it was not Trump’s decision but rather his own.
“He’s done a great job. He performed valiantly in a difficult time under difficult circumstances. So I have nothing but positive things to say about my friend.” Johnson said.
Additionally, he stated that Turner would continue to serve as his appointee for all matters pertaining to NATO.
“This is a House decision. This is no slight whatsoever to our outgoing chairman. He did a great job, but we just, the intelligence community and everything related to HPSCI, it needs a fresh start and that’s what this is about, nothing else. So I have nothing negative say about Mike Turner at all. He’s a good man, a good colleague. I respect his work.” Johnson stated.
Turner issued a statement after the announcement, expressing his pride in serving on the House Intelligence Committee and as its chairman.
“There are great members on the Committee, and I’m honored to have served with them. Under my leadership, we restored the integrity of the Committee and returned its mission to its core focus of national security. The threat from our adversaries is real and requires serious deliberations.” Turner said.
“As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have been and will continue to be a strong advocate for the military and our national defense. My work to expand missions and capabilities at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base continues. Furthermore, I look forward to welcoming the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to Dayton in the coming months.” he concluded.
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