Speaker Mike Johnson was surprised by Ken Buck's announcement of retiring early, effective next week, indicating he was not previously informed. Johnson stated, "I was surprised by Ken’s announcement," and noted that Buck didn’t give him a heads up. This situation underscores a communication gap within the Republican Party, as both the Speaker and House Majority Leader were caught off guard by Buck's decision. Despite the surprise, Johnson looks forward to discussing the matter with Buck, who reportedly left a voicemail on Johnson's personal cell about his decision. The incident has raised questions about internal communication and unity among Republicans.
I asked Ken Buck if he told the speaker he planned to step down ahead of time. He said he left a voicemail on Johnson's personal cell... (tbh this moment says a lot about my faith in voicemail in America) https://t.co/mRlmAZRzBI
It's amazing to me that Ken Buck resigned effective next week and the speaker of the House and House majority leader seemingly had no idea in advance.
Speaker Mike Johnson 'Surprised' by Ken Buck's Retirement: 'I Did Not Know' It Was Coming https://t.co/v8M4piSHQC
Buck blindsiding Johnson doesn’t speak well to how fellow Republicans view the speaker (even if Buck can be an outlier at times) https://t.co/r5X1QOG3Re
Speaker Mike Johnson was caught off guard by the announcement from Ken Buck retiring early. “I was surprised by Ken’s announcement. I look forward to talking to him about that,” he told reporters. He said he did not know in advance: “I did not know.” https://t.co/7egUzQcBRg
.@SpeakerJohnson just now: “I was surprised by Ken’s announcement. I’m looking forward to talking with him about that.” https://t.co/ovHzu2Zo1c
SPEAKER JOHNSON says Buck didn’t give him a heads up ahead of this announcement “I didn’t know,” he said, adding that he looks forward to chatting with him https://t.co/c7n4RGKno1
Johnson says he “was surprised by Ken’s announcement - I look forward to talking with him about that.”
Scalise on Buck: “I just saw that - I haven't gotten to talk to him, he wasn't on the floor but I'm curious to see why he's leaving early.”