House Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) Chief of Staff, Hayden Haynes, was reportedly arrested on a drunk driving charge following President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.
According to law enforcement officials and Johnson’s office, Haynes was taken into custody after his vehicle collided with a parked Capitol Police vehicle around 11:40 p.m. on the night of Trump’s speech. Capitol Police confirmed the incident, stating, “A driver backed into a parked vehicle last night around 11:40 p.m. We responded and arrested them for DUI.”
Sources say Haynes was released after receiving a citation to appear in court. The longtime aide has served as Johnson’s chief of staff since the Speaker was elected in October 2023 following a 220-209 House vote.
Johnson’s office quickly addressed the situation, with spokesperson Taylor Haulsee issuing a statement reaffirming the Speaker’s confidence in Haynes despite the arrest. “The Speaker is aware of the encounter that occurred last night involving his Chief of Staff and the Capitol Police,” Haulsee stated. “The Speaker has known and worked closely with Hayden for nearly a decade and trusted him to serve as his Chief of Staff for his entire tenure in Congress. Because of this and Hayden’s esteemed reputation among Members and staff alike, the Speaker has full faith and confidence in Hayden’s ability to lead the Speaker’s office.”
While the incident raises questions, Johnson’s firm support for Haynes suggests the Speaker sees this as a personal matter rather than a professional crisis. As details unfold, it remains to be seen whether political opponents will attempt to use the event to undermine Johnson’s leadership or if the matter will quietly resolve itself in the coming weeks.
This arrest comes at a time when Speaker Johnson has been at the forefront of several high-profile legislative battles, including efforts to curb illegal immigration, push for tax reform, and strengthen America’s economy. Critics may attempt to seize on this episode as a distraction, but given Johnson’s strong support among conservatives and his unwavering stance on key issues, it’s unlikely to cause any long-term political fallout within Republican ranks.
As more information emerges regarding Haynes’ legal situation, conservatives will be watching closely to see how the Speaker’s office handles the matter. For now, Johnson is making it clear: he stands by his longtime aide.
