Washington, D.C. – Hayden Haynes, the chief of staff to House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, found himself in hot water after being arrested for drunken driving following President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress. The incident occurred when Haynes’ car struck a Capitol vehicle, leading to his arrest by Capitol Police.
This unfortunate event took place after Johnson presided over the House floor during Trump’s speech, with Haynes seated just behind the president. The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed that Haynes had backed into a parked vehicle around midnight, resulting in his arrest for DUI.
As a trusted and long-serving aide to Johnson, Haynes has been a key figure in the speaker’s office since Johnson took on the role in 2023. Prior to that, he served as Johnson’s chief of staff in his personal office. Haynes also has a background working for former Sen. David Vitter, a fellow Louisiana Republican, dating back to 2009.
When questioned about the incident, Johnson voiced his support for Haynes, emphasizing their close working relationship over the past decade. According to a statement from Johnson’s spokesperson, the Speaker has full confidence in Haynes’ ability to lead his office, citing his esteemed reputation among colleagues and staff members.
While most crimes in Washington fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, DUI offenses are handled by the D.C. Office of the Attorney General. This distinction becomes significant given the current political landscape, particularly with the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, who has ties to Capitol Hill Republicans.
Haynes’ arrest highlights the consequences of his actions, adding a layer of complexity to his professional standing within Johnson’s office. The Capitol Police’s response to the incident underscores the commitment to upholding the law, regardless of an individual’s position or influence in Washington.