“Threat to our entire system” Mike Johnson Vows to End Criminal Prosecutions Against Donald Trump
Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
In a direct challenge to the executive branch, judiciary, state rights, and the rule of law in the United States, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced on Tuesday his intention to leverage all congressional powers to halt the four ongoing criminal prosecutions against former President Donald Trump.
Johnson’s statements, made late Tuesday morning, coincided with Stormy Daniels’ sworn testimony about her alleged sexual relationship with Trump in a Manhattan Superior Court case. Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, faces trial on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records by allegedly paying hush money to Daniels and subsequently covering up the payments in what prosecutors have labeled election interference.
Johnson’s remarks also come amidst an ouster threat from far-right MAGA Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a known Christian nationalist. The Speaker, who has acknowledged frequent communication with Trump, spent the weekend at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and visited the estate a few weeks prior as Greene’s threats intensified.
Johnson’s remarks also come as he faces an ouster threat from far-right MAGA Republican Christian nationalist Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The Speaker, who repeatedly has said he speaks to Trump frequently, spent the weekend at the ex-president’s Florida resort and residence, Mar-a-Lago. He also traveled there just weeks ago as Greene’s threats were heating up. Trump and Johnson held a joint press conference on “election integrity,” an image some say was a show of strength and support from the leader of his party.
“If there’s ever been an example of lawfare, everybody can look at that and see, the trial is being orchestrated by Democrats, supporters of President Biden who are trying to make a name for themselves. I mean, they’re pretty open about that. They used it in their campaign flips. We’ve got a Democrat District Attorney, a Biden donor judge whose daughter is a Democratic political consultant and has clients that use the case in their solicitation emails to raise money.”
During his latest visit, Johnson and Trump held a joint press conference on “election integrity,” which many interpreted as a display of solidarity and mutual support. Despite pressure from Greene, Johnson’s position remains safeguarded by Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the majority of the Democratic caucus, who have pledged to support him if Greene attempts to vacate his office.
In justifying his stance, Johnson claimed that Republicans are “trying to keep steadying hands on the wheel here and keep the legislative branch moving and operating in the best interest of the people.” He further argued that the judicial system itself is under threat due to the actions of local, state, and federal prosecutors, whom he accused of “using lawfare” to target political opponents.
“One of the things that is also in jeopardy right now is our judicial branch. And it’s our system of government itself. And I don’t think we can say often enough how much of that has been abused under this administration,” Johnson stated.
He specifically criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, stating that his “case should never have been brought.” Johnson also took aim at Justice Juan Merchan, who presides over the Manhattan case against Trump. Last month, CNN reported that Justice Merchan made a $15 donation to the Biden campaign during the 2020 election cycle, totaling $35 in contributions. Johnson accused Merchan of being a “well-known Democrat” who is enforcing an “indefensible gag order” against Trump while attempting to suppress the former president’s constitutional right to defend himself against political attacks.
Johnson continued his critique by labeling the Espionage Act case, often referred to as the “classified documents” case, as “the weaponization of our justice system.” This case, led by Special Counsel Jack Smith, focuses on Trump’s handling of classified documents after leaving office.
Moreover, Johnson characterized all the cases against Trump as a “clear attempt to keep Donald Trump in the courtroom and off the campaign trail,” adding, “It’s election interference. It is a borderline criminal conspiracy, and the American people see right through it.” In addition to the Manhattan case and the classified documents case, Trump is also facing legal battles over his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia and a federal case involving the January 6 Capitol riot.
As Johnson vows to defend Trump, his remarks reveal the deepening partisan divide and polarization surrounding the legal proceedings against the former president. Despite the gravity of the charges, Trump’s supporters, including Johnson, view the prosecutions as politically motivated attacks designed to undermine Trump’s 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, critics argue that Trump must be held accountable for his actions, regardless of his political aspirations.
The clash over Trump’s legal challenges underscores a broader battle over the rule of law and the integrity of the U.S. justice system, a debate that will undoubtedly shape the upcoming presidential election and influence public perception of both parties.
