Speaker Mike Johnson Removes Mike Turner as House Intelligence Chair, Appoints Rick Crawford

The leadership change raises concerns about Trump’s influence and the future direction of the Intelligence Committee.

Speaker Mike Johnson replaced Rep. Mike Turner with Rep. Rick Crawford as chair of the House Intelligence Committee, citing a need for a 'reset' in leadership.
Turner, a defense hawk and bipartisan advocate, had clashed with hard-right Republicans over Ukraine aid and surveillance policies, including Section 702 of FISA.
Critics, including bipartisan lawmakers, suggest the decision was influenced by President-elect Donald Trump, though Johnson denies any external pressure.
Rick Crawford, the new chair, has expressed skepticism about Ukraine aid and emphasized concerns about intelligence community overreach and constitutional rights.
The leadership change has sparked bipartisan concerns about the committee’s ability to remain nonpartisan and its implications for national security oversight.