Jeffries: ‘Shameful’ that Johnson removed Turner from Intel panel helm

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (DN.Y.) on Thursday joined the chorus of Democrats attacking Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) about his decision to substitute Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) chairs the House Intelligence Committee.

Jeffries called the move “shameful” and warned that it will only empower America’s main adversaries.

“Mike Turner is a serious, thoughtful and highly principled leader whose work as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee has been very impactful,” Jeffries said in a brief statement.

“During his time in the House of Representatives, Speaker Turner has kept his oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies and has defended our national security interests,” he continued. “Mike Turner has vigorously promoted the security of the American people and the Free World and his unjustified ouster will likely be applauded by our adversaries in Russia and China.

“Embarrassing.”

Jeffries did not mention President-elect Trump, but his message reflected a broader theme of Democratic criticism that Johnson and other GOP leaders have bowed to Trump’s wishes, both politically and personally, in the weeks leading up to upon his return to the White House.

Turner is known as a foreign policy hawk who has expressed strong support for maintaining close ties with NATO allies and helping Ukraine resist invasion by Russia, ideas that have made him a pariah in the eyes of some members of Trump’s “America First” inner circle.

Turner was also among the minority of House Republicans who votedto reject Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Arizona and Pennsylvania, voting instead to certify President Biden’s victory in both states.

Johnson’s decision to replace Turner came as a surprise when it was announced Wednesday, sending shockwaves through Capitol Hill and prompting charges that Johnson is pandering to Trump and House conservatives at the expense of steady government and national security.

Johnson rejected those charges Wednesday, saying Turner has done “a great job” heading the Intel Committee, but it’s time for a slate change to start the new Congress.

“It’s a new Congress,” Johnson told reporters. “We just need fresh horses in some of these places.”

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