Mike Johnson awkwardly speed-walks away after refusing to address Trump’s Rob Reiner post
Mike Johnson found plenty of scriptural words for tragedy and vague moral reflection when reporters cornered him. But then, they asked him about Donald Trump’s sadistic post blaming Rob Reiner’s murder on “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The House Speaker then suddenly discovered the power of silence and his legs.
On Dec. 15 at Capitol Hill, reporters approached Speaker Johnson for his reaction to the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife. Johnson opened with solemnity, recounting how he learned of the news between fundraising meetings. Because, of course, he has to seem busy. He then described it as an “unspeakable family tragedy” and emphasized the horror of learning that the couple’s son was responsible.
Johnson framed the moment as yet another example of “senseless violence and evil” in the world. So far, so good. He offered prayers to the Reiner family, quoted Psalm 34, and broadened his remarks to include global tragedies. Then mentioned the recent shooting during Hanukkah celebrations in Australia and the Brown University shooting. He also urged Americans to “appeal to our better angels” during the holiday season.
At the end, he framed his response as one of moral reflection rather than politics. Then reporters asked the obvious question. “What about the president’s attack?” twice. So, with the speed of a dog off-leash, Johnson quickly turned around and walked away.
Reporters cornered Mike Johnson again, so he pulled the old Republican trick
A short while later, reporters caught up to him again and tried once more. This time, Johnson opted to speak, but in a default Republican language of deflection:
I don’t do ongoing commentary about everything that’s said by everybody in government every day.
When the reporter reminded him that the person in question was the president of the United States, Johnson abruptly pivoted. “We are trying to bring down health care costs for the American people,” he said. He insisted that Congress was focused on “very important votes” and “very important issues.”
But that was nothing surprising. It always goes like that. Trump says something indefensible, and Republican leadership deflects to “real problems.” But Johnson chose the wrong problem to invoke. The Republican government has long been promising solutions, notebooks full of ideas, and fixes that are always “coming next week.” Yet, they haven’t offered any actual plan or details, while ACA subsidies are set to expire in two weeks.
So, invoking health care at this point did him more harm than good. Social media users immediately crowned him “Coward of the Year.” One mocked him, saying, “ They should change his title from Speaker of the House to the Mute of the House.” Another translated his silence, writing, “If Trump’s inner circle refuses to condemn him, they’re condoning his behavior.”
Despite given an opportunity to show leadership, Mike Johnson delivered a sermon, dodged accountability, and speed-walked away from the truth.
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