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The Civil War inside the MAGA Republicans in the House of Representatives continues. Donald Trump ordered MAGA Mike Johnson to fire the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Mike Turner. Mike Turner was a fierce opponent of Vladimir Putin and Russia and a big supporter and proponent of Ukraine. Mike Turner also spoke his mind about the Russian propaganda that infected many of the Maga Republic Republicans. So he has been fired from his position. He's been a member of Congress since 2003. Ohio's 3rd congressional district became Ohio's 10th congressional district in the Dayton area. That's his congressional district. CNN was the four. It was the first to report it, along with Punchbowl rather. I mean, here's what we learned. House Speaker Mike Johnson is removing House GOP Representative Mike Turner as the chair of the House Intelligence, a source familiar with the matter told cnn. Manu Raju explained. Jim Himes, top Democrat, the ranking member on the House Intel Committee, just told a group of us that removing Turner, quote, sends a shiver down my spine and that he is enormous, enormously concerned. Said Turner isn't the kind of guy who is quick to, quote, bend the knee to Trump and kept his eye on the prize of oversight and trying to protect our country from Russian propaganda. That's why Donald Trump ordered MAGA Mike to get rid of Mike Turner. Again, someone who's had a very successful career, someone who's very qualified, someone who didn't bend the knee. Although you know he spoke in favor of Donald Trump. If you watched him before, you would see that he would still say things that are favorable to Donald Trump because he had to, but generally viewed as someone who was at least competent and qualified. So a bad sign that he is gone. We'll see who replaces him. As Melanie Zenona says, Trump was a big factor here. What we're actually hearing was Trump was the factor. People in Trump's orbit thought Turner was too close to the intelligence agencies and others didn't like how Turner was handling a lot of issues, including the fact that Turner was pro Ukraine and pro NATO. Norman Ornstein says, I will reserve judgment on Mike Johnson and the Intelligence Committee until we see who he picks for its chair. But I can say now that no one is more happy by this than Vladimir Putin because Turner on the Intelligence Committee was a check against Putin. So Donald Trump doing Putin's bidding right here. Margaret Brennan reports the following. I spoke with House Intel Chair Mike Turner, who told me Speaker Johnson fired him as chair of the committee overseeing the intelligence community. Johnson cited, quote, concerns from Mar A Lago as justification for firing Mike Turner from being the chair of the Intelligence Committee. Representative Jim Himes tell CBS that it sent a shiver down his spine, which I just read. As Andrew Desiderio writes, wild Turner is one of the biggest Ukraine supporters among Republicans on the Hill and is also very involved with NATO, much more hawkish than Trump aligned ours would like. Hawkish meaning he believes that Russia should not invade a sovereign country of Ukraine the way Donald Trump is threatening Greenland and Panama and saying he wants to annex Canada. Let me show you this from last year where Mike Turner went on CNN and basically said that some of his House GOP colleagues had become useful idiots for Putin and Ukraine. Let's play it.
Michael McCaul
Let's turn to Ukraine, an issue that's important to you and your fellow Republican chairman, Michael McCaul, who runs the Foreign Affairs Committee. Congressman McCaul made a comment this week about what he says sounds like Russian propaganda from some conservative media and why it's so difficult to explain to Republican voters why supporting Ukraine is important. He told Julia Yoff, he, quote, I think Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States, unfortunately, and it's infected a good chunk of my party's base. He singled out primetime shows on conservative channels. Do you agree with him? And how big is this problem?
Mike Turner
Oh, it's absolutely true. We see directly coming from Russia attempts to mask communications that are anti Ukraine and pro Russia messages, some of which we even hear being uttered on the House floor. I mean, there are members of Congress today who still incorrectly say that this conflict between Russia and Ukraine is over NATO, which of course it is not. Vladimir Putin having made it very clear both publicly and to his own population that his, his view is that this is a conflict of a much broader claim of Russia to Eastern Europe and including claiming all of Ukraine territory as Russia's. Now, to the extent that this propaganda takes hold, it makes it more difficult for us to really see this as an authoritarian versus democracy battle, which is what it is. President Xi of China, Vladimir Putin himself have identified it as such. We need to stand up for democracy. We need to make certain that, that we know that authoritarian regimes never stop when they, when they start in aggression. Ukraine needs our help and assistance now, and this is a very critical time for the US Congress to step up and provide that aid.
Unknown Host
Now, here is Mike Turner talking about Tulsi Gabbard, that he does not think that she was someone who should be appointed to a significant cabinet position, certainly not the Director of National Intelligence. But he goes on to say that he trusts the Senate process.
Tulsi Gabbard
Watch this Donald Trump has chosen Tulsi Gabbard, the former congresswoman, former Democrat, now Republican, to be the Director of national intelligence overseeing 18 intelligence agencies. She not only went and met with Assad, she publicly doubted high confidence assessments by U.S. intelligence that he did what we showed you pictures of him doing using chemical weapons there. Do you trust that she could actually represent the intelligence community, lead it, and be trusted to brief the commander in Chief?
Mike Turner
Well, I obviously differ a great deal in a number of areas with both her judgment and her background and experience. But. But what I do trust is the Senate is the Senate process, and I think the senators are going to put her through a process. She has been nominated. She will go through the process, and I think there'll be significant debate and evaluation. I think Donald Trump has put together in his last term and I think he will in this term, a great national security team. I think CIA Director Radcliffe, I think Mike Waltz as national security director are both great examples of people who are going to be foundational. And I think you're going to see a great national security team.
Tulsi Gabbard
Well, this is a community that you also have oversight of, so you may not vote in the Senate, but it sounds like she doesn't have your confidence.
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Unknown Host
And here's the thing though, with people like Mike Turner, you'll see in this clip as well how he tried to appease Donald Trump. He tried to hold back his criticisms and ultimately that always comes back to burn you. If you don't forcefully stand for something, you'll lose everything in Trump's orbit. You can't be in the middle ground, you can't think you're going to appease the guy. Honestly, you just either you gotta, you gotta leave Congress if you're not gonna fight the guy or stand up to him or, you know, if you're a full fledged cult member, you bend and kiss the ring. Which is utterly despicable and I think completely the opposite of what our Constitution calls for, for a co equal branch of government. But here's Mike Turner. This is April 14th of 2024. Let's play it.
Tulsi Gabbard
As you know, Donald Trump has been on the sidelines saying he doesn't want to see that aid go to Ukraine unless in the form of a loan. But just very quickly. Do you expect it to get a vote this week, Congressman?
Mike Turner
I do, and I expect it to pass. And by the way, Donald Trump had said on the humanitarian, the other, the support to the Ukrainian government, on the weapons, the military support, everyone has been very much on the side of understanding that we're at a critical point. Russia is beginning to gain ground. Ukraine is beginning to lose the ability to defend itself. The United States must step up and provide Ukraine the weapons that they need. And I think we're going to see overwhelming support for that in the House this week.
Unknown Host
So again, Vladimir Putin clearly celebrating this. Donald Trump making a move directly helpful to Putin against NATO's interest. And look, I'm no Mike Turner fan, but he's at least the guy you'd want to chair that committee if you had to pick somebody. And now MAGA Mike Johnson fired him because the entire co equal branch of government, the House of Representatives, they just would literally whatever Donald Trump says MAGA Mike does, because otherwise MAGA Mike gets removed because he doesn't stand up. So basically none of these MAGA Republicans in the House have any power. They just do what Trump says. We'll just keeping you updated every step of the way. Hit subscribe and let's get to 4 million subscribers. Thanks for watching. Love this video. Make sure you stay up to date on the latest breaking news and all things Midas by signing up to the Midas touch newsletter@midastouch.com Newsletter.
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Podcast Information:
In this gripping episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the turbulent dynamics within the GOP House of Representatives. The focus centers on the dramatic removal of Mike Turner, the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, orchestrated by MAGA-aligned Speaker Mike Johnson under the influence of former President Donald Trump. This episode unpacks the implications of Turner's ousting, the internal power struggles within the Republican Party, and the broader impact on U.S. intelligence oversight.
The episode opens with a comprehensive breakdown of the events leading to Mike Turner's dismissal from his pivotal role. Turner, a seasoned congressman from Ohio's 10th District, has been serving since 2003 and was known for his staunch opposition to Vladimir Putin and robust support for Ukraine and NATO.
Notable Quote:
"Donald Trump was the factor here." — Melanie Zenona [02:15]
The podcast hosts dissect the multifaceted reasons behind Turner's removal, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to oversight and resistance to external pressures.
Notable Quote:
"Mike Turner isn't the kind of guy who is quick to bend the knee to Trump and kept his eye on the prize of oversight and trying to protect our country from Russian propaganda." — Jim Himes [03:25]
The episode highlights the bipartisan concern over Turner's removal, with top Democrats like Jim Himes expressing apprehension about the implications for intelligence oversight.
Expert Analysis:
Norman Ornstein: "No one is more happy by this than Vladimir Putin because Turner on the Intelligence Committee was a check against Putin." [04:50]
Melanie Zenona: Emphasizes Trump's significant role in influencing the decision to fire Turner, suggesting internal GOP factions viewed Turner as too aligned with intelligence agencies.
A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to Mike Turner's outspoken views on Russian propaganda and the necessity of supporting Ukraine against aggression.
Russian Propaganda: Turner warns of the insidious spread of Russian narratives within the GOP, aiming to undermine support for Ukraine and democracy.
Democracy vs. Authoritarianism: He frames the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a battleground between democratic values and authoritarian expansion, aligning with President Xi and Vladimir Putin's declarations.
Notable Quote:
"We need to stand up for democracy. We need to make certain that authoritarian regimes never stop when they start in aggression." — Mike Turner [04:10]
The discussion shifts to Tulsi Gabbard's controversial nomination for Director of National Intelligence, with Mike Turner expressing reservations about her qualifications and trustworthiness.
Gabbard's Background: Turner criticizes Gabbard for her past affiliations and questioning of U.S. intelligence assessments regarding Assad's use of chemical weapons.
Trust in Senate Process: Despite his reservations, Turner defers to the Senate's ability to thoroughly vet and decide on her suitability for the role.
Notable Quote:
"I do trust the Senate process, and I think the senators are going to put her through a process." — Mike Turner [06:33]
The hosts analyze the broader implications of Turner's firing, painting a picture of a GOP House increasingly dominated by Trump loyalists who stifle dissent and prioritize allegiance over competence.
Cult of Personality: The episode argues that Trump's influence has created an environment where GOP members either fully support him or risk removal, leaving little room for independent thought or opposition.
Impact on Governance: This dynamic undermines the co-equal branch principle of the U.S. Constitution, as the House becomes a tool for executing Trump's directives rather than a balanced legislative body.
Notable Quote:
"You can't be in the middle ground, you can't think you're going to appease the guy. Honestly, you just either you gotta leave Congress if you're not gonna fight the guy or stand up to him." — Unknown Host [09:13]
The episode concludes by exploring the potential ramifications of Turner's removal on national security and intelligence oversight.
Reduced Oversight: With Turner gone, the House Intelligence Committee may lose a critical voice against authoritarian threats, potentially weakening the U.S.'s ability to respond to foreign aggression effectively.
Vladimir Putin's Advantage: Experts warn that Turner's absence could embolden Putin, as the committee loses a key adversary within U.S. politics who was actively checking Russian influence.
Notable Quote:
"Vladimir Putin clearly celebrating this. Donald Trump making a move directly helpful to Putin against NATO's interest." — Unknown Host [10:46]
The episode wraps up by emphasizing the precarious state of the GOP House, now seemingly bereft of independent oversight due to Trump's pervasive influence. The Meiselas brothers highlight the urgent need for vigilance in preserving democratic institutions and ensuring that intelligence oversight remains robust and free from partisan manipulation.
Note: Throughout the episode, the hosts employ their signature blend of brotherly banter and incisive political analysis to provide listeners with a thorough understanding of the unfolding political crisis. By integrating notable quotes and expert opinions, The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a compelling narrative on the challenges facing American democracy today.