House Speaker Mike Johnson is not waiting for a jury to judge former President Donald Trump. Instead, Johnson has delivered his verdict by showing up at Trump’s courthouse trial, using his authority and symbolic office to cast doubt on the justice system. Johnson stated that Americans are “losing faith” in institutions, particularly in the judicial system, which he claims is being abused in Trump’s case. As Trump’s trial reached a critical point with former fixer Michael Cohen’s testimony, prominent Republicans, some vying for vice-presidential consideration, showed support at the courthouse, echoing Trump’s narrative of being a political victim.
The visible support from GOP figures underscores Trump’s influence in the party, even as his hush-money trial resurfaces allegations and testimony that paint a negative picture. This pursuit of Trump’s inner circle echoes a path former associates like Cohen have followed, often ending in legal troubles. Unlike other GOP members, however, Johnson’s role as Speaker lends a constitutional weight to his appearance. He dismissed the trial as “election interference” and adopted Trump’s rhetoric of political persecution.
Johnson questioned whether the alleged offenses should even be felonies and criticized Cohen’s credibility as a convicted felon. The Speaker’s statements raised fundamental questions about prosecutorial discretion and whether Trump’s actions are serious enough to warrant putting a former president on trial during an election cycle. Johnson’s stance is part of a broader pattern among Trump supporters to challenge judicial oversight of politicians, which could undermine a legal system rooted in equal justice.
Ultimately, Johnson’s embrace of Trump suggests that the presumptive GOP nominee’s controversies, including multiple impeachments and indictments, are no barrier for a party focused on reclaiming power. The Speaker’s alliance with Trump highlights the diminishing constitutional checks on the former president, hinting that if the GOP wins the next election, Trump’s executive authority may be even less constrained than during his first term.