In a recent revelation, CNN’s investigative team, “KFile,” exposed audio clips from last year featuring House Speaker Mike Johnson characterizing abortion as an “American holocaust.” The unearthed recordings shed light on Johnson’s staunch stance on reproductive rights, adding to a growing list of controversial views held by the Louisiana Republican.
The extensive investigation by “KFile” delved into over 100 clips of interviews, speeches, and public commentary by Speaker Johnson. In a notable excerpt from an appearance on the Vince Conglianese Show in May 2022, Johnson voiced his opinion, stating, “I mean, the reality is that Planned Parenthood and all these big abortion [providers], they set up their clinics in inner cities. They are, you know, they regard these people as easy prey. I mean, it’s true. This is what’s happening across the country now.”
During another interview on the day the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Johnson aligned himself with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion, supporting the reversal of federal protections for those seeking abortion. Johnson, speaking on the “ToddCast” podcast, remarked, “There’s been some really bad law made. They’ve made a mess of our jurisprudence in this country for the last several decades. And maybe some of that needs to be cleaned up. And what Justice Thomas is calling for is not radical. In fact, it’s the opposite of that.”
A spokesperson for Johnson conveyed to CNN that the speaker “views the cases as settled law.”
Since assuming the role of speaker, Johnson has faced vehement criticism for his right-wing religious views, particularly those opposing abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the separation of church and state. An evangelical Christian, Johnson has garnered an “A+” rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a prominent anti-abortion group in the country.
In a recent development, the House Judiciary Committee released an undated clip of Johnson asserting during a hearing that Republicans could avoid cuts to Social Security and Medicare by compelling women to bring more “able-bodied workers” into the world.
Johnson’s legislative record further reflects his strong stance on abortion, including voting for a national abortion ban, co-sponsoring a 20-week abortion ban, and endorsing Louisiana’s abortion ban, which imposes criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
