House Speaker Mike Johnson has come under fire for allegedly prioritizing a far-right conference in Paris over the looming government shutdown. With just eight days left to find a solution, Johnson’s decision to send representatives home early has raised concerns about the lack of attention given to the pressing issue at hand.
While the details of Johnson’s plan to avert a shutdown remain undisclosed, he is set to speak at the Worldwide Freedom Initiative (WFI) in Paris on Saturday. The conference, organized by Republicans Overseas Worldwide and Republicans Overseas France, aims to bring together conservative and center-right leaders from around the world.
Johnson’s early departure on Thursday is suspected to be related to his rush to attend the WFI. This is not the first time he has been involved with the group, as he delivered the keynote speech at their launch event on July 4.
The Paris conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and former Trump aide Corey Lewandowski. However, Noem’s presence has sparked controversy, as she is alleged to be engaged in a years-long affair while still being married. Other notable speakers include former Moms for Liberty spokeswoman, Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes, Brexit engineer Nigel Farage, and Hungarian politician Balázs Orbán.
Although French far-right politician Marine Le Pen was initially scheduled to speak, she has since dropped out. However, the program still features controversial French far-right candidate Eric Zemmour, known for his divisive views on xenophobia, Islamophobia, homophobia, and the media.
Despite promising to deliver results and pass appropriations bills, Johnson’s decision to prioritize a speaking engagement in Paris has raised concerns about his commitment to the pressing issues facing the country. With the government shutdown deadline approaching, many are questioning whether Johnson’s actions reflect a lack of focus on the needs of the American people.
