Speaker Johnson suggests that President Biden’s weapons threat could be due to a “senior moment”

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed disappointment over President Joe Biden’s recent warning that he may withhold U.S. weapons from Israel for an assault on Rafah, referring to it as a possible “senior moment.” Johnson feels let down by the president’s apparent disregard for commitments made to secure a nearly $100 billion foreign aid package.

Speaking to Politico after surviving an attempted ouster from his seat by House members, the Louisiana Republican expressed existing concerns over the discontinuation of weapons supply to Israel even before Biden’s threat.

Johnson shared, “I was taken aback by the sudden shift in policy as it contradicted assurances given to me by top administration officials just 24 hours ago. I hope this was just a lapse in memory.”

He emphasized how administration officials assured him that reports of weapon cutoffs were false and did not violate any agreements related to the aid package for Israel.

Johnson also mentioned a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the issue, further confirming his doubts. He immediately sought clarification from the White House upon hearing the news.

In dispelling attributions of delay in munitions delivery, Johnson stated that any setbacks were related to previous weapon supplies and not the supplemental aid package.

The contradictory statements from Biden, made during a CNN appearance, led Johnson to believe that the president was possibly “off script.”

Regarding the vote to remove him from his position, Johnson denounced it, emphasizing the need for a functional Congress amidst critical national and global challenges. He recognized the support shown by both parties against the removal motion.

While he affirmed his willingness to collaborate with those who sought his removal, Johnson also stated his refusal to comply with demands to defund special counsel Jack Smith, who has ongoing cases against former President Donald Trump.