Washington: U.S. Representative Mike Turner announced on Wednesday that he will no longer serve as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, a position he has held since January 2023.
“Under my leadership, we restored the integrity of the Committee and returned its mission to its core focus of national security. The threat from our adversaries is real and requires serious deliberations,” Turner stated, reflecting on his tenure.
Leadership Transition
Media reports suggest that U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson removed Turner from the role, citing the need for change.
“We just need fresh horses in some of these places,” Johnson explained, emphasizing that the decision was unrelated to former President Donald Trump. “This is a House decision, and this is no slight whatsoever to our outgoing chairman. He did a great job,” Johnson told reporters.
Turner, however, told CBS News that Johnson mentioned “concerns from Mar-a-Lago,” a reference to Trump’s Florida estate, as a factor influencing the decision.
The new chairman of the House Intelligence Committee is expected to be announced on Thursday, according to CNN.
Continued Role in National Security
Despite his departure from the Intelligence Committee leadership, Turner will remain actively involved in defense matters as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.
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Turner expressed pride in his contributions as chairman, highlighting his efforts to refocus the committee on critical national security challenges.
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House Intelligence Committee’s Role
The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee is one of the eight congressional leaders, known as the “Gang of Eight,” who are briefed on classified intelligence matters, underscoring the strategic importance of the role in safeguarding national interests.
