• Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to remove Rep. Mike Turner as House Intelligence Committee chairman, reportedly influenced by Donald Trump, has sparked backlash and anger within GOP ranks.
• Turner’s removal, despite being a strong supporter of Johnson, has drawn criticism from Republicans and conservative media, highlighting concerns over party unity and leadership under external pressure.
• The GOP faces significant challenges, with internal divisions and a slim majority threatening to derail key legislative priorities like tax reform.

The House Republican conference is grappling with internal strife after Speaker Mike Johnson removed Ohio Rep. Mike Turner from his position as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Turner’s removal, reportedly influenced by President-elect Donald Trump, has led to significant backlash within GOP ranks and could jeopardize party cohesion in an already divided chamber.

Turner Removed Amid Trump’s Influence

Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas has replaced Turner as the new Intelligence Committee chairman. Turner, known for his strong stance against Vladimir Putin and unwavering support for Ukraine, was ousted in what sources claim is a move to align leadership roles with Trump’s preferences. This decision has sparked anger among Turner’s allies, who accuse Johnson of bowing to external pressure.

One Republican lawmaker told Fox News’ Chad Pergram that Turner feels deeply betrayed. “He’s so mad that he’s ‘never going to vote for another blanking thing around here again,’” the source said. This sentiment became evident as Turner missed all House votes over the past 48 hours, signaling his discontent.

Backlash Within GOP Leadership

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The decision to oust Turner has drawn sharp criticism, not only from House Republicans but also from conservative media. The Wall Street Journal editorial board condemned Johnson, arguing the move reflects a lack of leadership strength. “Loyalty should be rewarded, not punished,” the board stated, criticizing Johnson for letting Trump dictate leadership decisions.

Turner had been a staunch supporter of Johnson, making his removal even more controversial. Critics argue that Johnson’s actions could undermine trust within the GOP conference, especially as Republicans hold one of the slimmest majorities in modern history. These fractures could make advancing key agenda items, such as tax reform, even more challenging.

Challenges Ahead for GOP Leadership

Turner’s absence from votes comes at a critical time for the GOP. With multiple vacancies already straining the party’s slim majority, Johnson and other leaders face mounting pressure to maintain unity. The removal of a key supporter like Turner threatens to complicate efforts to pass legislation that lacks bipartisan backing.

The situation underscores the precarious balance within the House GOP, where internal divisions and external influences collide. As the party navigates these challenges, the question remains: can Johnson and his team maintain control, or will this rift deepen?

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We want to hear your thoughts. Do you believe Speaker Johnson made the right call in removing Turner? How should the GOP address these growing internal tensions? Share your comments below.

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