In a recent episode of her MSNBC show "Inside with Jen Psaki," former White House press secretary Jen Psaki criticized the newly elected Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, labeling him a "religious fundamentalist."
Psaki initially appeared to downplay Johnson's potential impact, stating, "At first glance, Mike Johnson seems acceptable. He's conservative, indeed. He even once initiated a civility caucus with a Democrat. He presents himself well, donning a suit and glasses. How menacing could he possibly be?"
She then aired a clip of Johnson defining himself as a "Bible-believing Christian." In the clip, Johnson said, "I am a Bible-believing Christian. When asked by the media about my stance on any issue, I responded, 'Pick up a Bible and read it. That's my worldview.'"
Psaki responded to Johnson's comments with a note of alarm, stating, "You heard correctly. The Bible doesn't merely influence his worldview, it is his worldview."
In an MSNBC article, Psaki cautioned her viewers that Johnson's potential threat extends beyond his political ideology. "While most Americans might not recognize Mike Johnson in a crowd, he is far from harmless," she wrote.
Psaki continued, "It's not just his political ideology that should concern us. Johnson is essentially a Christian fundamentalist."
Johnson's decision to frequently reference God and the Bible in his public appearances since his election as Speaker of the House has sparked a divided response online.
On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, conservatives have lauded Johnson for openly expressing his Christian faith in his new role. However, some liberals have argued that his frequent invocations of God within the House chamber are an affront to both the Constitution and the New Testament.
In his address to Congress following his election, Johnson stated, "I dont believe there are any coincidences in a matter like this. I believe that Scripture and the Bible is very clear that God is the one that raises up those in authority. He raised up each of you, all of us. And I believe God has ordained and allowed each one of us to be brought here for this specific moment and this time. This is my belief."
He added, "I believe that each one of us has a significant responsibility today to utilize the gifts that God has bestowed upon us to serve the extraordinary people of this great country, and they deserve it."
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