In a surprising move, Speaker Mike Johnson has informed Rep. Mike Turner that he will no longer serve as the chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee. This decision has been confirmed by several sources familiar with the matter, leaving many to wonder what’s behind the change.
Turner, a respected figure in the intelligence community, told his colleagues on Wednesday that he won’t be continuing in this crucial role. The House Intelligence Committee is responsible for overseeing the U.S. intelligence community, and its chair holds a seat on the “Gang of Eight”—a select group of leaders who receive highly sensitive, classified briefings.
Johnson later spoke about the decision, emphasizing that it was part of his effort to bring in new leadership in the new Congress. He praised Turner, calling him a “great guy” who had done a “valiant job” in a tough position. But he also made it clear that this wasn’t a political move tied to former President Trump’s influence. “This is a House decision,” Johnson explained, dismissing rumors that politics played a role in the change.
Turner will still remain on the committee, but Johnson will be naming a new chair soon. The move highlights Johnson’s intention to make his mark on the House as he settles into his first full term as speaker.
Some Republicans have speculated about who might replace Turner. A few names being thrown around include Reps. Rick Crawford, Trent Kelly, and Darin LaHood, all of whom have a strong background in intelligence matters.
This move comes after Johnson made headlines last year for appointing two Trump loyalists, Reps. Scott Perry and Ronny Jackson, to the Intelligence Committee. This decision raised eyebrows in both parties, given Turner’s reputation as a defense hawk respected on both sides of the aisle.
Turner had been appointed to the top Republican position on the committee by then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy back in 2022, and McCarthy kept him in the role when Republicans regained control of the House. After McCarthy was ousted in October 2023, Johnson kept Turner in the chairmanship. Now, Johnson seems ready to put his own stamp on the leadership of the House, as he’s already made other changes, including appointing Rep. Virginia Foxx as the new Rules Committee chair.
The decision to remove Turner from the Intelligence Committee caught many Democrats off guard, with Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the panel, expressing concern. Himes, who had disagreements with Turner in the past, said he still found him to be “fair-minded” and voiced worries about the lack of warning before the change.
As the presidential election nears, some Democrats are raising alarms about the growing influence of politics in intelligence and national security roles. With Trump on the verge of returning to the White House, there’s increasing concern that these positions could be swayed by loyalty to a political figure rather than the country.
This move by Speaker Johnson marks a significant shift in the leadership of the House Intelligence Committee, and only time will tell what impact it will have on U.S. intelligence oversight moving forward.
