By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump’s recent pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has sparked controversy, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has repeatedly claimed ignorance when questioned about it, along with other pressing issues. This pattern of not knowing has extended to other significant matters, including Trump’s reported dealings with the Justice Department and even the White House’s import of Argentinian beef. This lack of awareness has been noticed by many, leading some to question whether Johnson is truly uninformed or strategically feigning ignorance to avoid difficult political questions, suggesting a possible facade of cluelessness.
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‘I don’t know anything about that’: Mike Johnson becomes the low-information House speaker, and it’s a statement that rings truer with each passing day. It’s almost comical, the frequency with which the Speaker of the House deflects questions, pleading ignorance on matters that directly pertain to his role and the nation’s well-being. This isn’t just about a lack of knowledge; it’s a strategic choice, a carefully crafted persona designed to evade accountability and control the narrative. The fact is, he’s paid a hefty salary, plus significant allowances, to be informed and to lead, yet he consistently presents himself as someone blissfully unaware of crucial developments.
For a man in such a position, ignorance isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a dereliction of duty. It raises serious questions about his competence, his priorities, and whether he’s truly serving the American people. How can someone who is third in line to the presidency claim to be so out of the loop? It’s as though he’s actively avoiding information, carefully curating his own reality, and the consequences of this are far-reaching. Imagine the impact of this on a day-to-day basis, from holding Democrats to taking 5 minutes to swear one in.
This tactic seems to be drawn from the playbook of historical movements like the Know-Nothing party. It’s a party that was built on a foundation of secrecy and xenophobia. It wasn’t about understanding issues or offering solutions; it was about maintaining control through denial and deflection. It seems like Johnson is similarly adept at appearing uninformed on topics that reflect badly on him or the party. It’s almost as if he’s afraid of being caught in a lie, so he chooses to plead ignorance as a shield.
The pattern is clear, and it’s deeply concerning. When faced with difficult questions, especially those related to controversial actions or statements, the response is often a dismissive “I don’t know.” It is as if he’s practicing this for some future testimony, knowing the truth won’t be as important as having a way out. This deliberate lack of knowledge, or at least the pretense of it, allows him to avoid taking a stance, making a decision, or providing an honest answer. This strategy undermines transparency and fuels public distrust.
The implications of this are very serious. Johnson’s position demands that he be informed, engaged, and ready to respond. When he constantly claims to be unaware, he’s essentially admitting that he’s failing in his primary responsibilities. This lack of accountability creates a dangerous precedent, where those in power can operate without being held to the same standards as everyone else. The press and the public are left to wonder what he actually *does* know, and how that is impacting his decisions.
It’s tempting to believe that this ignorance is genuine, but the evidence suggests otherwise. It is a carefully calculated tactic of controlling and abusing the press and the public. This feels more like a deliberate act of obfuscation. Consider the constant defense of Trump, and then consider the sudden lack of awareness. It’s almost impossible to believe that a man so involved in Trump’s defense is genuinely clueless about his actions and words.
The rhetoric has become predictable. The “I don’t knows” are now peppered with other evasive phrases. “I don’t recall”, “I’d have to get back to you on that”, “A lot of people are saying…” It’s a collection of well-worn phrases used to avoid answering questions or to offer misleading information. The public deserves better than this, especially from the person at the helm of the House of Representatives.
The lack of scrutiny is just as problematic. Johnson’s behavior is hardly new, and it’s disappointing that it still seems to work. It’s a symptom of a larger issue. When asked questions, the interviewer could easily and simply state that they’ve never heard of it either. The strategy would become apparent in an instant. The American people can see that he’s being evasive. This is not about being uninformed; it’s about choosing to remain so, because, as Upton Sinclair noted, “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.”
The bottom line is simple: if you are elected to run the nation’s business, you should know the business. You should understand the issues. You should be prepared to answer questions, even the difficult ones. The consistent, public display of ignorance from the Speaker of the House is a symptom of a deeper problem in American politics, one that demands attention, accountability, and ultimately, change.