In a recent interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” GOP Rep. Mike Turner, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed concern about the influence of Russian propaganda among some House Republican colleagues.
He noted instances of anti-Ukraine and pro-Russia messaging, even on the House floor, and highlighted the misconception among some members that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine revolves around NATO, which he clarified it does not.
Turner’s remarks align with those of House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, who also addressed the infiltration of Russian propaganda within the GOP. McCaul emphasized the detrimental impact of such propaganda on the party’s base, drawing parallels between Russia and other authoritarian regimes led by figures like China’s President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
GOP Rep. Mike Turner (Credits: Getty Images)
Both Turner and McCaul underscored the importance of recognizing the conflict as a battle between authoritarianism and democracy, emphasizing the need to counter Russian propaganda effectively. They highlighted the necessity of providing military aid to Ukraine, stressing that Ukraine’s security is vital to U.S. national interests.
The House has faced challenges in passing Ukraine aid packages, with Speaker Mike Johnson hesitating to bring such legislation to the floor. However, recent commitments from Johnson and McCaul to advance a bipartisan Ukraine military aid package to a vote suggest progress on the issue. Despite concerns about Johnson’s position, Turner dismissed the idea of his speakership being at risk over Ukraine aid.
Turner attributed concerns about Johnson’s leadership to what he termed the “chaos caucus,” individuals perceived as disruptive within Congress. He indicated confidence in Johnson’s ability to manage the situation and suggested that efforts to oust him from the speakership are unlikely to succeed. Democrats have signaled their willingness to support Johnson’s speakership amid challenges, indicating a potential bipartisan effort to address the issue.
