Home / Mike Johnson Defends Trump's 'Enemy From Within' Remarks Amid Controversy Over Rally Joke

Mike Johnson Defends Trump's 'Enemy From Within' Remarks Amid Controversy Over Rally Joke

Mike Johnson Defends Trump’s ‘Enemy From Within’ Remarks Amid Controversy Over Rally Joke

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., faced tough questions during an interview regarding former President Donald Trump’s recent provocative rhetoric, including his references to “the enemy from within” and a controversial joke made at a rally. Trump had suggested last week on Fox News that, if needed, the military might have to be called in to handle “radical-left lunatics” and “the enemy from within” in the event of unrest around the upcoming election.

During an exchange on CNN’s *State of the Union* with Jake Tapper, Johnson was pressed on these statements. He defended Trump by saying the former president was not specifically targeting political rivals but referring to violent, threatening individuals. Tapper countered, pointing out that Trump has frequently broadened his attacks to include Democrats as a whole, using harsh rhetoric in the final days leading up to the 2024 election.

In a tense back-and-forth, Tapper asked Johnson how he would react if a Democratic candidate made similar statements. “If they said you and your wife were evil, and that the military should be used against you, I would say that’s disgusting,” Tapper remarked. Johnson responded, “Well, thank you. Some have said that about us because they don’t like my politics.”

He then clarified that Trump, not currently holding office, would have no authority to mobilize the National Guard or military units on Election Day.

Johnson further elaborated, saying Trump was advocating for the use of military forces to maintain peace on the streets, adding, “Trump is talking about restoring law and order. That resonates with the American people.”

The conversation then shifted to another controversial moment from Trump’s rally in western Pennsylvania. Tapper repeatedly asked Johnson about Trump’s off-color comment regarding the late golf legend Arnold Palmer. At the rally, Trump spent several minutes praising Palmer but also made an eyebrow-raising remark about Palmer’s physical attributes. “Arnold Palmer was all man,” Trump had said, before sharing a story about locker room encounters involving the golf icon, which led to shocked reactions.

Johnson initially deflected, steering the discussion away from Trump’s colorful anecdote by saying the election should focus on policies, not personalities. “He has fun at the rallies,” Johnson said. “He says things that are off the cuff. But I’m telling you, I’ve been at those events, I’ve been in those arenas, and people have a great time.”

Despite the divisive rhetoric and spontaneous remarks that frequently pepper Trump’s speeches, Johnson emphasized that many voters still support Trump based on his policies and track record.