House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., dropped a true political bombshell on Friday, recounting a January 2024 meeting with President Joe Biden that raises serious questions about who is actually running the country. Speaking to Bari Weiss on her podcast “Honestly,” Johnson shared a personal observation: “The president has not been in charge for some time.”
Johnson’s revelations came after persistent attempts to meet with Biden to address “big national concerns.” According to the speaker, Biden’s staff initially stonewalled him but eventually relented under media pressure. When Johnson finally arrived at the Oval Office, the meeting turned out to be less a discussion and more an ambush. Alongside Biden were Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and the CIA Director, all pressing him on Ukraine funding.
When Biden asked for a private moment with Johnson, staff members appeared visibly uneasy. Johnson took the opportunity to address a critical issue: Biden’s executive order pausing liquified natural gas (LNG) exports. Johnson, representing energy-rich Louisiana, asked Biden why he had implemented the pause, noting its harmful implications for both U.S. allies and the domestic economy.
According to Johnson, Biden’s response was shocking: “I didn’t do that.” Johnson reminded the president of the order, signed just weeks prior, only for Biden to deny its content. Johnson even suggested having a staff member print out the document so they could review it together. “He genuinely did not know what he had signed,” Johnson recounted, adding, “I walked out of that meeting with fear and loathing because I thought, ‘We are in serious trouble—who is running the country?’”
The pause on LNG exports, implemented by Biden in January 2024, has faced sharp criticism from energy experts, bipartisan lawmakers, and industry groups. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the export ban could threaten nearly 1 million jobs over the next two decades, while slashing the U.S. GDP by up to $215.7 billion by 2044. Tax revenues to federal, state, and local governments would also suffer significant losses.
President-elect Donald Trump reportedly plans to address the LNG issue head-on upon taking office, signaling a sharp reversal from Biden’s policy. Trump’s America First energy agenda has always prioritized job creation, energy independence, and support for allies. Biden’s mishandling of this critical issue underscores why leadership matters. Americans deserve a president who understands the policies they sign and prioritizes the nation’s economic and security interests over appeasing fringe activists.
As Johnson’s story makes clear, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The question isn’t just about LNG exports; it’s about competence, accountability, and restoring trust in government. Fortunately, with Trump taking office, Americans can look forward to a leader who knows what he’s doing and isn’t afraid to fight for the country’s future.
