(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – Shortly after President Donald Trump delivered a powerful address to Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Chief of Staff Hayden Haynes found himself getting arrested.
The incident occurred when Haynes backed into a Capitol Police vehicle just before midnight, capping an eventful evening that had earlier showcased President Trump’s vision for America’s future.
Capitol Police confirmed the arrest, noting, “A driver backed into a parked vehicle…We responded and arrested them for DUI.”
The timing of the incident, nearly an hour after President Trump completed his joint address to Congress, has drawn significant attention in Washington.
Despite the embarrassing circumstances, Speaker Johnson has stood firmly behind his longtime aide.
Johnson’s office quickly issued a statement through spokesperson Taylor Haulsee confirming the speaker’s continued confidence in Haynes:
“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.”
When reporters questioned Johnson directly about whether he still supported Haynes, the speaker responded with an emphatic, “I am. I am.”
This demonstration of loyalty comes as no surprise to those familiar with their long professional relationship, which began when Haynes served as Johnson’s campaign manager in 2016.
Haynes, a Louisianian with degrees from Louisiana Tech University and Gonzaga University, has been with Johnson’s office since 2017.
He was elevated to the chief of staff position in October 2023 when Johnson assumed the Speakership.
Before joining Johnson’s team, Haynes worked for former Republican Senator David Vitter (LA).
Following his arrest, Haynes was released with a citation to appear in court at a later date.
Unlike many federal crimes in Washington, DUI offenses are prosecuted by the D.C. Office of the Attorney General rather than the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The incident occurred on what should have been a triumphant night for Republicans.
The speaker praised President Trump’s joint address to Congress, stating, “I’m sure it was received as well at home as it was there by the Republicans and the audience up in the gallery.”
The speaker also criticized Democrats for disrupting parts of the historic speech.
While embarrassing, the incident has not overshadowed the impact of President Trump’s message to Congress and the American people, which outlined his vision for returning the country to greatness.
As Washington moves forward from the incident, Johnson’s office continues to focus on advancing the conservative agenda.
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