Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) extolled the virtues of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)—in particular praising him for not cheating on his wife—ahead of Friday's vote for Speaker of the House.
Johnson's reelection to Speaker of the House will require a majority vote of 218. With 219 Republican seats, and 215 Democrat votes expected to go elsewhere, it's unclear if Johnson will secure the seat.
Following President-elect Donald Trump's glowing endorsement of Johnson, where he was described as "a good, hard working, religious man," Burchett appeared on Fox News to weigh in on the battle for House Speaker.
REP. TIM BURCHETT (R-TENN.): Speaker Mike Johnson "doesn't cheat on his wife & I find that very appealing."👀 pic.twitter.com/Gl0S48vgUr
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 30, 2024
Burchett called Johnson a good friend, honest, and specified that he is "not a religious man, he's a Christian man," seemingly in response to Trump's description.
"He doesn't cheat on his wife and I find that very appealing in Washington D.C.," Burchett added.
While the comment may have been a dig at former Johnson's predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, who was embroiled in affair allegations in 2015, McCarthy is far from the only politician to contend with allegations of infidelity.
Allegations of affairs and sexual impropriety have infamously followed Trump, drawing a notable contrast between Burchett's comment and his ongoing support for his presidency.
Trump's first marriage to Ivana disintegrated in 1991 as his relationship with his soon-to-be second wife, Marla Maples, dominated tabloids. Trump married Melania in 2005, and in the time since, at least 27 women have publicly accused Trump of sexual misconduct and assault.
With Trump's White House taking shape and Johnson's speakership uncertain, it remains to be seen if Republicans will align with Burchett on the significance of personal integrity.
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