House Republican Slams GOP Colleague for ‘Reckless’ Warning on ‘Existential’ National Security Threat, Calls for Formal Inquiry

Freshman Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) asked Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Thursday to open an inquiry into his fellow Republican, Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), over an alarming statement Turner issued on Wednesday.

Turner, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, released a statement asking that President Joe Biden immediately declassify information to the public regarding “a serious national security threat.” The statement caused alarm around the country as other leaders, including Johnson, quickly sought to allay fears and released statements telling the public there was no immediate danger and not to panic.

“On February 14, 2024, at approximately 11:35a.m., the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence revealed to the American people an imminent and perhaps existential threat to the United States of America,” Ogles wrote of his more senior, fellow Republican.

“This revelation by the Chairman was done with a reckless disregard of the implications and consequences said information would have on geopolitics, domestic and foreign markets, or the well-being and psyche of the American people,” Ogles continued, adding:

In hindsight, it has become clear that the intent was not to ensure the safety of our homeland and the American people, but rather to ensure additional funding for Ukraine and passage of an unreformed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This act constituted poor judgement at a minimum and a complete breach of trust influenced by the pursuit of a political agenda at a maximum.

Ogles accusing Turner of playing politics with national security will be certain to raise eyebrows across Capitol Hill and anger the hard right of the GOP, which is against further aid to help Ukraine fight off the Russian invasion.

“Mr. Speaker, it is with great reticence that I formally request an inquiry as to any impact the Chairman’s statements may have had on U.S. foreign and domestic policy. Furthermore, as the Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence is solely appointed by the Speaker and under your direct purview, should the Chairman retain his post, you have a duty and an obligation to reassure this body (Congress) and the American people that the processes of the Intelligence Committee have not been corrupted by the very institutions they are charged with monitoring,” Ogles concluded.

Read the full letter here.