When Rep. Mike Turner, a Republican from Ohio, was unexpectedly removed as Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) just before President Donald Trump’s inauguration, it sparked plenty of rumors. Many reports claimed that Trump himself had ordered Speaker Mike Johnson to make the change. However, insiders who are familiar with the decision-making process shared a different story with the Daily Caller.
The Real Reasons Behind Turner’s Removal
In early January, Tablet Magazine published an article where Turner was allegedly bragging about taking over Trump’s Intelligence Community (IC). It was reported that Turner wanted his staff director, Adam Howard, to be hired for a key National Security Council position, essentially using Howard as a tool to control intelligence decisions. Although both Turner and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz denied these claims, the article stirred up a lot of buzz.
But insiders say there was more to Turner’s removal than just the Tablet article. In fact, even without that report, Turner likely would have been pushed out. Here’s why: When Speaker Johnson was reelected, he got to handpick new chairs for select committees like HPSCI. One of the main reasons Turner was removed? Many in the Republican Party believed Turner was too cozy with the intelligence community. Even though Johnson and Turner got along personally, Johnson was looking for a fresh change.
Timing is Everything
As one source pointed out, the timing of this change made sense. “It’s a new Congress, and the Speaker has to make committee appointments,” they said. Turner had been closely aligned with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and with Johnson now in charge, a shift was needed.
But it wasn’t all about Trump. While there were reports about Trump’s involvement in Turner’s ousting, insiders clarified that it was ultimately Speaker Johnson’s decision. Johnson did discuss Turner with Trump, but sources confirmed it was Johnson’s choice to make.
A Rocky Relationship with FISA
Another factor that contributed to Turner’s ousting was his role in the debate over FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act). Turner stirred up controversy when he made cryptic remarks about a looming “national security threat” during discussions about renewing FISA’s Section 702 provision, which allows the government to spy on Americans. His comments caused panic and market turmoil, and some of his colleagues even accused him of trying to push a warrantless FISA renewal.
Rep. Andy Biggs from Arizona went so far as to tweet that Turner should lose his job over what he called a “political stunt.” Rep. Andy Ogles from Tennessee also called for an investigation into Turner. These incidents left some Republicans feeling frustrated with Turner, making his removal seem more justified.
The New Leader of HPSCI
With Turner out of the picture, Speaker Johnson selected Rep. Rick Crawford from Arkansas to take the helm of HPSCI. Johnson praised Crawford for his “principled leadership” and described him as someone who had earned the respect of his colleagues through years of dedicated service.
So, while the headlines about Trump’s involvement in Turner’s removal made waves, it seems the real reasons were more about party dynamics and leadership changes within the Republican ranks.
