Speaker Mike Johnson recently appointed Representatives Scott Perry and Ronny Jackson, both hard-right allies of former President Donald Trump, to the House Intelligence Committee. This move has sparked criticism from members of both parties due to the major ethical and legal issues surrounding both men. Perry, who played a key role in Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, has faced legal issues over his actions. Jackson, who served as Trump’s White House doctor, was demoted by the Pentagon amid allegations of mistreating subordinates, sexual harassment, and substance abuse while in office.
The appointments caught committee members by surprise, as they were not informed in advance. The panel has historically operated in a bipartisan manner, with a focus on national security and intelligence matters. The decision to include Perry and Jackson on the committee has raised concerns that the intelligence community may limit the sensitive information it shares with Congress. Democrats and mainstream Republicans have expressed outrage over the appointments, questioning the integrity of the committee and its ability to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.
Former Representative Adam Kinzinger criticized the move as “insane,” while Representative Mikie Sherrill accused Speaker Johnson of prioritizing a “MAGA agenda” over national security. Sherrill raised concerns about Perry and Jackson’s efforts to overturn election results and incite the January 6 insurrection, suggesting that they may misuse their position on the committee to support Trump’s agenda. Perry has been linked to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including discussions to pressure Vice President Pence and replace the acting attorney general.
Both Perry and Jackson have faced allegations of misconduct in the past. Jackson, who was forced to step aside as Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, has been accused of improperly using campaign donations for personal expenses. Despite these controversies, Jackson has lobbied for a position on the intelligence committee for years and believes he can help restore public trust in the intelligence community. Perry, on the other hand, has vowed to provide oversight and combat abuses of power within the intelligence community.
Perry and Jackson are replacing former Representatives Mike Gallagher and Chris Stewart, who resigned from Congress during a tumultuous session. The current committee chairman, Michael Turner, and top Democrat, Jim Himes, have worked to maintain a bipartisan and serious reputation for the panel. However, the addition of Perry and Jackson has raised concerns among some committee members about the future sharing of sensitive information with Congress. The move has highlighted the potential impact of appointing individuals with controversial backgrounds to key national security positions.
