Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) criticized the most recent stance of newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) regarding Ukraine.
Johnson appeared on Hannity Thursday to give a strong statement of support for Ukraine and against Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched an invasion into the neighboring country over a year ago.
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To his great credit, the new speaker has been a stalwart on the Ukraine issue—voting consistently against an endless conflict with no plan from the Biden administration.
It’s concerning to see him change his tune so quickly after being elevated to this role. https://t.co/VBIKMpjZUW
— J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) October 27, 2023
“We can’t allow Putin to prevail in Ukraine because I don’t believe it would stop there. And it would probably encourage and empower China to perhaps make a move on Taiwan,” Johnson said during the television interview. “We’re not going to abandon them.”
This was Johnson’s first prime-time interview since being elected speaker earlier this week, and it subsequently drew a lot of attention. Vance responded to the quote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the next day.
“To his great credit, the new speaker has been a stalwart on the Ukraine issue — voting consistently against an endless conflict with no plan from the Biden administration,” Vance posted. “It’s concerning to see him change his tune so quickly after being elevated to this role.”
In fact, Johnson’s voting record surrounding foreign aid has earned him a grade of “F” from the group Republicans for Ukraine. However, his statements on the matter have fluctuated over time.
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Johnson was the fourth speaker nominee but only the second to make it to an election, and he rose to the position some three weeks after eight Republicans sided with Democrats and ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) could not reach the number of votes needed, even with Trump’s endorsement and the endorsement of most of the eight who voted against McCarthy.
This is the first time a representative from Louisiana has headed the House.
