On April 20, 2024, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, referred to the Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin, and Iran as the “Axis of Evil.” In response, a spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. expressed dissatisfaction with the United States during a media interview.
Prior to this, experts from a U.S. think tank had pointed out that the Chinese Communist Party is America’s biggest enemy, and a new Axis of Evil consisting of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran has emerged.
Speaker Johnson made these comments during a press conference on Wednesday, April 17, where he announced a vote on a comprehensive aid package totaling $95 billion for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region scheduled for Saturday evening.
Matthew Kroenig, a strategist from the Office of the Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and a CIA expert, stated in March during a seminar that since the Trump administration, the U.S. has recognized China and Russia as its greatest threats.
As early as October of last year, Republican Leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell, classified China, Russia, and Iran as the new Axis of Evil.
Johnson stated, “Based on the briefings we’ve received, I believe Xi, Putin, and Iran are truly an evil axis. I think they are on the same page in this regard.”
Johnson suggested that Putin may continue advancing into Europe and turn towards the Balkan Peninsula, possibly leading to a confrontation with Poland or NATO allies.
Publicly sharing his personal perspective on the war, Johnson said, “Frankly, I would rather send bullets to Ukraine than send American sons. My son will start studying at the Naval Academy this fall, for me, this is a real battle, as it is for many American families.”
On Friday, the House approved a $95 billion legislative plan to provide assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan, as well as legislation to strip or ban TikTok. The procedural vote on Friday passed with 316 votes to 94, with more Democrats (165) supporting the comprehensive plan than Republicans (151).
This decision by the Speaker has angered some conservative Republicans who, like the Speaker, insist that any new aid to Ukraine must be linked to strengthening border security with Mexico, as Ukraine currently faces an ammunition shortage on the frontline.
Two Republican members of the House have publicly called for Johnson to step down.
Republican Federal Congresswoman from Georgia, Marjorie Taylor Greene, submitted a resolution last month to remove Johnson from his position as Speaker, and Congressman Thomas Massie from Kentucky expressed support.
Former President Trump has provided crucial support to the young Speaker, appearing alongside Johnson at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago Estate on April 12, publicly stating his “support for the Speaker.”
Considering the slim majority of Republicans in the House (218 seats to 213), the fate of these bills and Johnson’s position as Speaker may now depend on the support of Democratic colleagues.
In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, Biden described Ukraine and Israel as allies in urgent need of American assistance, stating, “While both countries have the ability to defend their sovereignty, they rely on American aid, including weapons, to do so. This is a critical moment.”
Johnson told reporters that Congress cannot “play politics” on aid funding issues, adding, “I am willing to take personal risks for this, because we must do the right thing, history will judge us.”