Ohio Congressman Mike Turner announced on Wednesday (January 15) that he will no longer serve as the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee after nearly two years in the position.
According to reports from multiple media outlets cited by Reuters, House Speaker Mike Johnson has removed Turner from this leadership role.
In a statement on Wednesday, Turner said, “Under my leadership, we restored integrity to the committee and refocused its mission on national security as a core priority. The threats posed by our adversaries are real and warrant serious consideration.”
Turner expressed pride in having served as chairman of the Intelligence Committee and added that he will now be a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.
Speaking to CBS News, Turner stated that Johnson cited concerns related to the Mar-a-Lago estate as the reason for his removal. Mar-a-Lago is the private estate of former President Trump in Florida.
However, Johnson stated that Turner’s removal was necessary because “we just need some new horses in some places,” clarifying that it was not Trump’s decision.
A reporter from CNN reported that Johnson told journalists, “This is a decision of the House, and it is no reflection on our outgoing chairman. He’s done an outstanding job.”
CNN reported that Johnson will announce Turner’s successor on Thursday.
Representatives for Johnson did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Turner has been serving as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee since January 2023.
The House Intelligence Committee chairman is one of the members of the “Gang of Eight” in the U.S. Congress, a group of eight congressional leaders who have access to classified information for briefings.