In a dynamic interview on CNN’s State of the Union, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) sat down with Jake Tapper to tackle some of the most contentious issues in today’s political landscape, including the ongoing border crisis, former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-FL) recent resignation, and President-elect Donald Trump’s policy agenda. The conversation was as lively as expected, with Johnson defending the GOP’s stance on border security and legislative protocols, while Tapper pressed hard on points of contention.
One key topic was the sudden resignation of Matt Gaetz from the House, shortly after being nominated for Attorney General by President-elect Trump. Gaetz’s departure was significant, considering he had been the subject of a lengthy House Ethics Committee investigation over various allegations, including one particularly serious accusation involving a minor—an allegation Gaetz has denied. With Gaetz no longer in office, Johnson made it clear that he saw little reason for the Ethics Committee to pursue the case any further.
When Tapper questioned Johnson on this, particularly regarding his call for the committee to hold off on releasing its report, Johnson didn’t waver. He pointed to the longstanding rule that the House Ethics Committee does not pursue private citizens, highlighting the potential for abuse of power if such protocols are ignored. Johnson framed this decision as protecting a precedent, arguing that “opening Pandora’s box” by targeting former members could lead to future overreach. In Johnson’s view, keeping resources focused on current members is key to maintaining the integrity of the House Ethics Committee.
“The president and I have literally not discussed one word about the ethics report. Not once.”
.@SpeakerJohnson lays out why he opposes the release of a House Ethics Committee report on Attorney General pick former Rep. Matt Gaetz. pic.twitter.com/gQbvi7LoMh
— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) November 17, 2024
The discussion then turned to immigration reform and border security—issues that both Johnson and President-elect Trump have made clear are high priorities. With Trump reportedly poised to implement broad changes, including increased deportations and expanded detention facilities, Johnson affirmed that the GOP-led House would work closely with the administration to deliver on promises of a secure border. Johnson pointed to H.R. 2, a legislative proposal that he claims would be “the most secure border legislation ever passed.” According to Johnson, the new administration is fully committed to leveraging executive powers from day one, with Congress following up to solidify those actions in law.
Johnson expressed that this approach is not just about border security but a direct response to what he described as the American people’s “mandate” from the recent election. He emphasized that a secure border is the foundation of national sovereignty and stability, pledging to deliver on this promise to regain what he described as a “sovereign, safe, and secure nation.”
Watch @jaketapper press @SpeakerJohnson on whether the Trump administration plans to deport every undocumented immigrant in the United States. pic.twitter.com/wLoUvWvuby
— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) November 17, 2024
The conversation wrapped with Johnson discussing another element of Trump’s economic agenda: the elimination of taxes on tips. Trump’s proposal aims to remove federal taxes on service workers’ tips, a move Johnson suggested would improve income fairness for those in the service industry. “We’re going to try to make that happen,” he stated, aligning himself with Trump’s commitment to a more worker-friendly tax structure.
