Johnson discusses problem lawmakers and Biden policy in first interview since becoming speaker

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) discussed problematic representatives and his qualms with the Biden administration in his first interview since taking the position.

In an interview with Fox News’s Sean Hannity, Johnson avoided talking about censuring or expelling representatives such as Reps. George Santos (R-NY) or Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), pointing out the precarious position Congress is in.

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“We’re working through those issues. … Here’s the reality, Sean: We have a four-seat majority in the House,” Johnson responded when asked about censuring.

“It is possible that number may be reduced even more in the coming weeks and months. And so we’ll have what may be the most razor-thin majority in the history of the Congress. We have no margin for error. And so George Santos is due process, right? … And we have to allow due process to play itself out. That’s what our system of justice is for,” he said.

J. Scott Applewhite/AP

At one point, he agreed with Hannity that President Joe Biden is suffering from mental decline and decried him as a failed president. At several points, he contrasted his record with former President Donald Trump‘s, whom he praised.

When presented with reservations about his past statements on controversial issues such as gay marriage and abortion, Johnson said despite his personal convictions, he had no partisan agenda as speaker.

“I have no agenda other than what’s best for the American people and to defend the rule of law, and that’s what we’re doing,” he declared.

Hannity asked Johnson how he planned to maneuver his precarious position and maintain a majority with division within his own party, which holds power by a thread.

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“With truth and transparency and relationships,” Johnson responded. “You know, this is a business that’s based on that. My colleagues trust me. I’m grateful for that. It’s earned. And I’m going to do well by them, and we’re going to govern well. We’re going to show the American people we can. When you get into negotiations in the conference committee, the speaker of the House and the leader of our party has to have a strong hand, and so if we can keep the team together, keep rowing in the same direction — look, everybody’s got to give up on some of their preferences. None of us will get everything we want.

“I’ll never ask any of my colleagues to compromise core principles because I share those principles with them,” he continued. “But Ronald Reagan used to teach us: I’d rather get 80% of what I want than go over the cliff waving the flag. … I am very optimistic, and I am bullish on the future of America.”