Washington, DC – In a recent development, Rep. Mike Turner, head of the House Intelligence Committee, expressed his confidence in Speaker Mike Johnson’s commitment to address any potential “improper” conduct following the appointment of two controversial Trump supporters to the committee.
During an appearance on “Face the Nation,” Turner stated that Johnson would closely monitor the situation and step in if any inappropriate behavior arises. The appointment in question involves Reps. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania and Ronny Jackson of Texas, both known for their staunch support of former President Donald Trump.
The decision to add Perry and Jackson to the House Intelligence Committee has sparked criticism due to concerns over their previous actions that may present conflicts of interest in national security and foreign policy matters. Despite this backlash, Turner, a Republican from Ohio, noted that the intelligence community has not identified any ongoing issues requiring immediate attention.
Both Perry and Jackson have military backgrounds and previous access to classified information, with no reported incidents of mishandling such sensitive data. Jackson, a former White House physician, faced scrutiny in 2022 for allegations of inappropriate behavior while serving in the Navy, but his constituents believe those issues have been resolved. Perry, a former House Freedom Caucus leader, also faced scrutiny after having his phone seized by the FBI in connection to efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
While Perry has apologized for past statements criticizing the intelligence community, Turner emphasized the importance of maintaining bipartisan cooperation within the committee. He expressed optimism that both Perry and Jackson can contribute positively to the committee’s work on national security.
In response to the controversy surrounding the appointments, Turner reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Perry and Jackson adhere to the committee’s rules and expectations. He emphasized the need for productive collaboration with Speaker Johnson to uphold the integrity of the committee’s work.
Efforts to reach out to Perry and Jackson’s offices for comment were not immediately successful, underscoring the ongoing scrutiny and debate surrounding their appointments. As the situation unfolds, the role of Perry and Jackson in the House Intelligence Committee remains a topic of interest and concern within the political landscape.