House Speaker Mike Johnson Avoids Questions on Trump's $10 Billion DOJ Settlement

House Speaker Mike Johnson has once again sidestepped questions about potential oversight of President Donald Trump’s actions, this time regarding a possible settlement between the Justice Department and Trump in his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The lawsuit, which seeks $10 billion from the federal government, has raised concerns about a conflict of interest given Johnson’s role as Speaker of the House and his alignment with Trump’s agenda.

During a Tuesday press conference held to honor law enforcement officers as part of Police Week, Johnson was asked whether the DOJ’s potential settlement of Trump’s lawsuit represented a conflict of interest. His response was unequivocal:

“One of the things that is not in my purview is the Department of Justice, okay?” Johnson said. “I haven’t thought about that or read into it.”

“Go ask the executive branch about it, alright?” he added, before pivoting to a call to celebrate Police Week.

Johnson’s remarks were captured and shared by journalist Aaron Rupar, who tweeted:

Q: Do you think the DOJ ought to settle the president's $10b lawsuit? Is there a conflict of interest?
MIKE JOHNSON: Um. One of the things that is not in my purview is the DOJ, ok? I haven't thought about that or read into it. I got enough to say grace over every day. Go ask the executive branch.

This latest exchange underscores Johnson’s pattern of avoiding accountability for actions tied to Trump, despite his legislative role. Earlier this year, Johnson played a pivotal role in advancing cuts to critical health and food assistance programs, citing accusations of “fraud and abuse.” However, he has shown little hesitation in allowing Trump to access billions in taxpayer funds through a potential DOJ settlement.