New House Speaker Attacked for Not Being Wealthy

(NationRise.com) – Far-left pundits and media outlets have attacked Mike Johnson, the new conservative House Speaker, for not being rich.

Jordan Libowitz, the communications director for Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW), a far-left lobbying group, also expressed concern over Johnson’s finances. He believes it makes the new speaker more prone to payoffs and corruption.

Matt Fuller, The Daily Beast’s Washington Bureau Chief, criticized Johnson via X (formerly Twitter) for having a relatively small mortgage compared to his colleagues in the House. He also expressed alarm over Johnson’s lack of retirement savings and debt, claiming Johnson is likely unfit to influence the nation’s spending.

Mike Johnson doesn't have any retirement savings, own a single stock, or have any assets at all. He has less than $5,000 in his bank account.

He's got a 250-500K mortgage, a home equity loan, and a personal loan.

So what's his retirement plan? To lobby? https://t.co/xPzUPqqc4w

— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) November 1, 2023

His Republican colleagues have come to the defense by pointing out Johnson’s relatability to the American people. Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) accused the Democrats of hypocrisy after the left has spent years demanding that speakers better imitate their constituents. Other users also responded to Fuller’s Tweet by pointing out the excessive spending that has occurred under the watch of millionaire representatives.

Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) echoed tweets that Johnson’s financial situation makes him more relatable to everyday Americans. The Rep pointed out Johnson’s lack of “shady” business deals, a possible reference to the Hunter Biden scandal.

According to public records disclosed in August, Johnson has a home mortgage worth no more than $500,000. He doesn’t currently own stocks and makes just over $200,000 per year (prior to his new speaker salary).

Johnson is the first speaker in several years to have a net worth under $1 million. Former house speakers, including Paul Ryan (R-WI) and John Boehner (R-OH), both had millions in assets when assuming the speaker position.

Johnson has also previously been attacked by far-left pundits over his faith. Jen Psaki, the Biden administration’s former press secretary, condemned Johnson for being a “religious fundamentalist.”