Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson shared a private conversation with President Joe Biden that left him deeply concerned about Biden’s memory.
“He has not been in charge for some time,” Johnson said. “And I know this by personal observation. The whole world knows it now.” Johnson made the remarks on the "Honestly" podcast with Bari Weiss.
Johnson confirmed a Wall Street Journal report from June 2024. The report described Johnson’s reaction to Biden during a late February White House meeting about military aid to Ukraine.
At the meeting, Johnson raised concerns about Biden’s decision to freeze U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. He warned Biden that it could push European allies toward Russian gas. This, Johnson said, would fund Putin’s war and harm Louisiana’s LNG projects.
Johnson recalled Biden’s response. “He looked at me, stunned, and said, ‘I didn’t do that.’” Johnson pushed back, saying, “Mr. President, yes, you did. It was an executive order three weeks ago.”
Biden argued, insisting he hadn’t done it. Johnson offered to have the order printed. Then Biden said, “Oh, you’re talking about natural gas!” Johnson explained it wasn’t just a study—it was a policy already damaging Louisiana.
“It hit me,” Johnson said. “He wasn’t lying. He genuinely didn’t know what he signed.” Johnson left the meeting alarmed. “I thought, ‘We’re in serious trouble. Who’s running the country?’”
Johnson suggested Biden wasn’t running things but trusted others from his administration to push policies. “They were incongruous, dangerous, and he just signed them,” Johnson said.
Without personal animus, Johnson called Biden “the worst president in the history of the country.” He added that he felt sorry for Biden, who was “in the twilight years of his life.”
Reflecting on his narrow reelection as Speaker, Johnson highlighted differences between Republicans and Democrats. Republicans are independent, he said, while Democrats follow a collective ideology. This makes unity harder for Republicans.
He stressed the importance of consensus but not at the cost of principles. “Love for colleagues fosters tolerance,” he said. “It helps overlook frustrations and failings.”
Johnson also touched on his relationship with President-elect Donald Trump. “We’ve had a great relationship since 2017,” he said. Despite a few disagreements, Trump appreciated Johnson’s good faith. “Now we talk almost constantly.”
At one point, Johnson entertained Weiss and the audience with a Trump impression. He also revealed he’s working on a book about conservatism.