In a surprising turn of events, Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, has come under scrutiny for his endorsement of a conspiratorial book containing homophobic slurs. Johnson, who assumed the role of the 56th House Speaker in October, penned the introduction to the 2022 book titled “The Revivalist Manifesto” by political blogger Scott McKay.
The book primarily revolves around the debunked ‘Pizzagate’ conspiracy theory, infamous for its baseless claims of top Democratic officials’ involvement in a fictitious paedophile ring. McKay’s work also delves into other conspiracy theories and hoaxes, including unfounded allegations concerning Supreme Court justice John Roberts and his connection to notorious sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
What further raises eyebrows is McKay’s use of multiple homophobic slurs when referring to Pete Buttigieg, the openly gay Transportation Secretary. Johnson, in his foreword, not only endorses the book but also praises its far-right message, dubbing it a “valuable and timely contribution” to political discourse.
This isn’t the first instance of Mike Johnson’s troubling rhetoric. He previously expressed support for making gay sex illegal in the United States and attributed the fall of the Roman Empire, in part, to homosexuality. When confronted about his anti-LGBTQ+ views, Johnson claimed to “love all people” and conveniently downplayed his past statements.
In endorsing McKay’s book, Johnson not only sanctions homophobia but also aligns himself with racist sentiments expressed in the book, particularly aimed at figures like Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and former President Barack Obama. Johnson’s spokesperson attempted to distance him from the book’s controversial content, citing that he endorsed the general theme rather than all of its opinions. However, his endorsement has raised significant concerns about the alignment of some Republican leaders with extreme views.
This revelation underscores the importance of scrutinizing the ideologies and associations of public figures, especially those in positions of power, as they can have a far-reaching impact on social discourse and policy decisions. The question now remains whether Johnson’s endorsement will have any repercussions within his party or if it is indicative of a broader trend within the GOP.