By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Speaker Mike Johnson faced scrutiny during an ABC News interview for his reluctance to swear in newly elected Representative Adelita Grijalva. Johnson defended his inaction by claiming Grijalva’s situation differed from previous instances where Republicans were sworn in out of session, citing a lack of a set date. Democrats and Grijalva herself have accused Johnson of delaying her swearing-in due to her support for a measure related to releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files, which would give her constituents representation in Congress. The House is currently out of session, offering Johnson the opportunity to reopen it and seat Grijalva, as he had the power to do so, previously.
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Mike Johnson squirms when pressed on his failure to swear in the House Democrat, and it’s pretty clear why. The whole situation stinks of political gamesmanship, a blatant disregard for the democratic process, and perhaps, something even more sinister lurking beneath the surface. It’s not just a matter of tradition; it’s a calculated move.
Let’s break down the basic premise of why the situation is such a point of contention. A newly elected member of the House, a Democrat, is being denied her right to be sworn in. The role of swearing in the representative, the tradition goes, typically falls to the Speaker of the House, currently Mike Johnson. He’s dragging his feet, and the excuses he’s offering are flimsy at best.
The core issue comes down to Johnson’s reluctance. He tries to justify his actions with vague talk about “dates” and “when the House is in session”. It’s like a child being asked why they didn’t do their homework. The logic is self-serving, designed to deflect scrutiny. His assertion that there was an exception for two Floridians earlier in this Congress rings hollow. He’s essentially saying, “It’s okay when *I* want it to be, but not for *you*.” That kind of hypocrisy lays bare his true intentions.
The interview brings up valid points – the fact that she was duly elected, and that’s the only requirement needed. The excuses that he used just seem to be pulling at straws. The interviewer rightfully challenges Johnson’s justifications, highlighting the lack of consistency. This exposes the charade for what it is. It’s about power and control. It’s about a Speaker using his position to obstruct the will of the voters.
There are many that feel like the Democrats need to fight this, and they have the legal right. They could simply move forward and have a judge administer the oath. There are other options that do not include waiting on Mike Johnson. It’s a sad state of affairs when a basic formality – the swearing-in – becomes a political battlefield.
The accusations and theories about Johnson’s motives run deep. Some see it as a deliberate act of obstruction. Others speculate about ties to the Epstein case and the files, implying that his refusal is intended to protect someone, or to delay the exposure of the truth. These claims, whether accurate or not, illustrate the level of distrust and suspicion.
Many people are frustrated by the constant game-playing. They see it as a betrayal of the democratic process. His every statement is viewed with skepticism, his every action scrutinized for hidden agendas. It’s hard to avoid the impression that Johnson is not operating in good faith. His actions smack of someone who is hiding something or someone.
The issue is not just about one House member; it’s about the integrity of the institution. Refusing to swear in a duly elected official undermines the very foundation of our democracy. It sets a dangerous precedent, where the Speaker can selectively enforce the rules for political advantage. It is about power and the willingness to abuse that power.
The situation has opened a can of worms, with questions surrounding the role of federal judges in administering the oath. However, it’s pretty clear Johnson is digging in his heels.
It’s clear that many people believe this is not just about politics, and many people believe that Johnson is a hypocrite. The calls for accountability and justice are becoming louder. The only thing that seems certain is that the issue is not going away.