Elise Stefanik Accuses Mike Johnson of Lying

WASHINGTON Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) publicly challenged House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Tuesday, claiming he misrepresented the reason a key initiative of hers was excluded from a defense policy bill.

The dispute began on Monday when Stefanik criticized on social media what she described as the deep state blocking her effort to mandate that the Justice Department inform Congress about investigations into presidential candidates. Johnson responded Tuesday, denying her claim.

I dont exactly know why Elise wont just call me, Johnson told reporters at a press briefing, noting that he had not been consulted on whether the provision should be added to the defense legislation.

Stefanik fired back, writing, Just more lies from the Speaker. It wasnt on your radar? This is the ONLY provision in the bill to root out the deep state rot. Her statement represents a rare public confrontation from a prominent House Republican who had previously been part of Johnsons leadership team until she was nominated by former President Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She stepped down from leadership after Trump withdrew her nomination over concerns about the GOPs slim House majority.

Stefanik has announced her campaign for governor of New York, and criticizing the so-called deep state in Washington may serve her political ambitions. Her proposal is tied to concerns over the investigation of Trumps 2016 campaign and alleged collusion with Russia. While a review found investigators were overly aggressive, it did not substantiate claims of significant misconduct by a deep state entity.

Stefaniks criticism comes as Johnson faces challenges from several high-profile Republican dissenters in the House, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who publicly sided with Stefanik on Tuesday. Greene tweeted, As usual from the Speaker, promises made promises broken. We all know it.

Author: Sophia Brooks