‘It’s not just his political ideology that should scare us,’ Psaki said of the new speaker of the House Sunday
On her show, “Inside with Jen Psaki,” former White House press secretary and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki criticized the new Republican speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, characterizing him as a “religious fundamentalist.” She initially presented a somewhat neutral impression of Johnson, acknowledging his conservative stance and past collaboration with a Democrat. However, she questioned the level of threat he posed, noting his professional attire and glasses.
Psaki then played a clip in which Johnson described himself as a “Bible-believing Christian.” This comment appeared to be a point of contention in her discussion.
“I’m a Bible-believing Christian,” Johnson said. “Somebody asked me in the media today, ‘Well, it’s interesting. People are curious, what does Mike Johnson think about any issue under the sun?’ He said in the clip. “I said, ‘Well, go get the Bible on your shelf and read it. That’s my worldview.'”
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“You heard that right,” Psaki said in response to Johnson’s comments. “The Bible doesn’t just convey his worldview, it is his worldview.”
In an article for MSNBC, Psaki warned her audience that Johnson is a more intimidating speaker than his political beliefs. “Most Americans might not be able to pick Mike Johnson out of a lineup, but he’s actually far from benign,” Psaki wrote.
“It’s not just his political ideology that scares us. Johnson is basically a Christian fundamentalist,” she continued.
Johnson received a polarized response online for praying to God and the Bible during an appearance after being elected House speaker.
Conservatives on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, praised Johnson for wearing his Christianity in his new role, while some liberals argued that his appeal to God inside the House was offending “the Constitution and the New Testament.” the room
Speaking to Congress after his election, Johnson declared, “I don’t believe there are any coincidences in this matter. I believe the Scriptures and the Bible are very clear that God raises up those who are in power. He raises up. Every one of you, all of us, rise up and this particular moment and I believe that God appointed and allowed each of us to come here for a time. This is my belief.”
“I believe that each of us today has a great responsibility to use the gifts God has given us to serve the extraordinary people of this great country and they deserve it,” he said.