Overview

• In an MSNBC interview, Speaker Mike Johnson said he urged Hakeem Jeffries not to respond to the president’s trolling because it “makes it worse.”
• Johnson defended the posts as political messaging, praised Trump’s effectiveness online, and said he has spoken with Russ Vought in recent days while blaming Senate Democrats for the shutdown.
• Trump last week posted AI-altered videos showing Jeffries, and one also featuring Chuck Schumer, wearing a sombrero with an exaggerated mustache set to Latin-style music.
• Jeffries condemned the clips as racist, called them “deeply unserious,” and challenged Johnson to a House-floor debate focused on reopening the government through bipartisan talks.
• Citing his own experience being mocked by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Johnson said he avoids engaging with such trolling and advised colleagues to do the same.