Biden Unaware of Signing Executive Order to Halt LNG Exports, Claims House Speaker Johnson

 January 19, 2025

Recent revelations from House Speaker Mike Johnson cast doubts on President Joe Biden's awareness of his policy actions.

In a surprising account, Johnson alleges that Biden did not recall signing an executive order that paused liquified natural gas exports, Fox News reported.

During an appearance on Bari Weiss's podcast "Honestly" for The Free Press, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., recounted a concerning interaction with President Biden. The meeting, initially aimed to address national concerns, unexpectedly turned into a broader discussion with additional high-profile attendees.

High-Profile Discussion Turns to Private Concerns

Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Chuck Schumer, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, and the CIA Director attended what they anticipated as a small meeting.Their discussion briefly covered Ukraine funding before Johnson and Biden spoke privately.

House Speaker Johnson questioned President Biden about a pause in LNG exports crucial to European allies, particularly in the context of their reliance on Russian energy. To Johnson's astonishment, Biden expressed that he was unaware of having issued such a directive.

President Biden's Surprising Admission

When Johnson pressed further, reminding him of the executive order, President Biden denied remembering his approval of the halt, a crucial point since LNG is vital for Louisiana's economy and European energy stability. Johnson advised that Biden's secretary should retrieve the order to confirm its existence.

Here, Johnson shared the unsettling details of their conversation:

House Speaker Mike Johnson asked President Biden, "Sir, why did you pause LNG exports to Europe? Liquefied natural gas is in great demand by our allies. Why would you do that? Cause you understand we just talked about Ukraine, you understand you are fueling Vladimir Putin’s war machine, because they gotta get their gas from him." President Biden's reply was, "I didn’t do that." When reminded, Johnson noted, "He genuinely did not know what he had signed."

The Wall Street Journal first hinted at this story in June, noting sources that questioned the president's direct involvement in key decisions. Concerns about who runs the White House have been ignited.

Concerns Over Control and Leadership

Despite efforts to clarify the situation, President Biden's response left more questions than answers. Johnson's fear after leaving the White House was palpable—he questioned the transparency and real control behind significant policy decisions.

"I walked out of that meeting with fear and loathing because I thought, ‘We are in serious trouble—who is running the country?’ I don't know who put the paper in front of him, but he didn’t know," Johnson confided, painting a grim picture of the administration's internal dynamics.

This incident has escalated worries about the effectiveness of leadership in critical areas of governance, with repercussions for both domestic policies and international relationships.

At the core of this issue is not just a forgotten document but the broader implications of leadership that appear disconnected from significant executive actions. The episode risks undermining confidence among allies and citizens alike, raising urgent questions about oversight and authority at the highest levels of government.

The administration has not yet responded to Johnson's statements. This development echoes historical instances where the public questioned presidential awareness and direct engagement in policy decisions, reflecting the ongoing challenges in managing a vast federal bureaucracy.This story encapsulates concerns over presidential awareness, national policy impacts, and the transparency of leadership—a narrative that will undoubtedly continue to unfold as reactions come in from various sectors.

About Victor Winston

Victor is a freelance writer and researcher who focuses on national politics, geopolitics, and economics.
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