Speaker Johnson Raises Doubts Over Biden's Awareness of His Own Executive Orders: 'Who Is Running the Country?'

House Speaker Mike Johnson says that his first private meeting with President Joe Biden left him deeply concerned, as Biden appeared unaware of an executive order he had recently signed.

What Happened: In an interview with The Free Press, Johnson alleged that Biden's cognitive state and lack of engagement have raised doubts about his leadership.

Johnson said that he believed that Biden was not actively managing the country and was instead “signing what others were putting in front of him.” The order signed by Biden, which paused liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe, prompted Johnson to ask, "Who is running the country?"

During the discussion, Johnson recalled a January 2022 meeting at the White House. Despite his initial requests for a private meeting with Biden being delayed for months, Johnson said he eventually had a brief one-on-one interaction after an initial session with several Democratic leaders, Vice President Kamala Harris, and a CIA official.

Biden reportedly asked his advisers to leave the room, allowing the Speaker and the president to speak directly.

Also Read: Democrats Are Reportedly Worried About The Narrative Around Joe Biden’s Memory Lap ses

According to the interview, Johnson shared that he brought up concerns regarding a recent executive order impacting his Louisiana constituents. "I asked him, ‘Mr. President, why did you pause LNG exports to Europe? This is causing massive damage to our economy and helping Russian President Vladimir Putin's war efforts,” Johnson recounted.

According to the Speaker, Biden appeared confused and denied signing such an order. Johnson pressed further, insisting the president had indeed issued the directive, which Biden reportedly attributed to a study on LNG impacts rather than a ban.

"It occurred to me he genuinely did not know what he had signed," Johnson said, describing the encounter as unsettling. He added, "I walked out of that meeting with fear and loathing because I thought, ‘We're in serious trouble.'"

In January 2024, the White House announced a temporary halt on pending LNG export approvals, citing its climate agenda as the primary reason.

The decision has faced criticism from energy industry stakeholders and lawmakers, particularly from regions reliant on LNG exports.

On Saturday, Elon Musk responded to Johnson’s statement and said Biden was not in charge.

As I said a few years ago, Biden was not in charge. Whoever controlled his teleprompter was. https://t.co/kzwQpWlzx8

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 18, 2025

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