Speaker Mike Johnson removed Representative Michael R. Turner of Ohio from the helm of the House Intelligence Committee, signaling a shift towards aligning the panel more closely with President-elect Donald J. Trump.
Turner, who had been critical of Trump’s actions at times, was reportedly ousted after an edict from Mar-a-Lago, according to a person familiar with the conversation. This move is seen as part of Johnson’s effort to reshape the committee and cement Trump’s control over national security matters.
Turner, a mainstream conservative, had represented southwestern Ohio in the House for over two decades and was known for his bipartisan approach on intelligence issues. His removal has raised concerns among Democrats about the potential erosion of checks and balances against the executive branch.
The shake-up comes as the Intelligence Committee is set to lose several members who are expected to join the Trump administration or hit term limits, creating additional vacancies that Johnson plans to fill with Trump loyalists. This move marks a significant shift in the committee’s composition and raises questions about the potential implications for national security and intelligence oversight.
The decision has been met with criticism from Democrats, including Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, who described Turner’s removal as “a terrible portent for what’s to come.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/us/politics/mike-turner-house-intelligence.html