Speaker Mike Johnson Faces Backlash Over Federal Worker Layoff Defense

Johnson claims angry constituents at GOP town halls were paid protestors but offers no evidence, as lawmakers face criticism for supporting massive federal job cuts.

House Speaker Mike Johnson alleged that protestors criticizing federal worker layoffs at GOP town halls were paid by Democrats, though he provided no evidence to support the claim.
The layoffs stem from President Donald Trump’s push to downsize the federal workforce, spearheaded by Elon Musk through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, Rich McCormick, and Stephanie Bice, have faced vocal opposition from constituents during recent town halls.
During an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Johnson admitted he did not know if all protestors were paid, backtracking on his initial assertion.
Critics argue that the layoffs and Musk’s role in overseeing the DOGE have raised significant concerns about the impact on government operations and public trust.