(NewsWorthy.news) – Democratic California Representative Adam Schiff said to reporters on May 16 how “flabbergasted” he was that House Speaker and Republican Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson appeared at former President Donald Trump’s hush-money criminal trial in Manhattan.
The Democrat suggested that House Republicans who arrived in New York to support the presumptive presidential candidate were focused on gaining power, accusing Johnson of “debasing” himself before the party’s “supreme leader.” Schiff claimed that the Speaker was lying about what was said in the courthouse, and said it was “difficult to stomach” Johnson arriving in Manhattan to “kiss the ring.” He nonetheless stood by his decision to vote along with other Democrats to save Johnson from an attempt by some Republicans to oust him as Speaker.
Republicans named as potential running mates for Trump such as Vivek Ramaswamy and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum also attended the former president’s trial as Trump’s former lawyer Mike Cohen gave his testimony, prompting suggestions by commentators that Trump was utilizing the trial as a “loyalty test” for supporters and vice-presidential hopefuls. Johnson even skipped an important House session to remain in Manhattan.
The words of Johnson and other Republicans during the trial have led to claims by critics that the former president is relying on others in his party to criticize those he cannot due to his gag order. Johnson spoke outside the courtroom to declare that the trial was a politically motivated “sham.” He slated Cohen in particular, highlighting the disgraced lawyer’s criminal record and history of perjury to argue that he was on a personal revenge mission against his former boss.
Johnson’s appearance in Manhattan marks an attempt by the Speaker to reaffirm his support for the former president following heavy criticism by more right-leaning republicans, such as Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who led the attempt to oust Johnson over his handling of the controversial $95 billion foreign aid bill. The bill was finally approved in April by the House after much stalling, and saw the U.S. pledge more military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Schiff said he did not regret supporting Johnson staying on as Speaker, but criticized House Republicans for lacking commitment to justice and the Constitution. Johnson has defended his decision to attend, and called Trump’s trial an “atrocity.”
Copyright 2024, NewsWorthy.news
