Biden had no idea he signed natural gas export pause, Johnson says

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., recently shared a concerning encounter he had with President Biden last year during a meeting where the president seemed to forget about signing an executive order pausing the export of liquified natural gas (LNG).

Johnson recounted the incident during an episode of Bari Weiss’ podcast “Honestly” for The Free Press, where he expressed his observations that Biden has not been fully in charge for some time. The story was initially reported by the Wall Street Journal in June, based on anonymous sources.

During the podcast, Johnson elaborated on his experience, detailing how he had been trying to schedule a meeting with Biden in January 2024 to discuss pressing national concerns that were keeping him up at night. After some pushback from Biden’s staff, Johnson was finally invited to the Oval Office for a meeting with the president.

However, the meeting took an unexpected turn when Johnson realized it was an ambush, with other prominent figures like Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer, and the CIA Director present. Despite the tense atmosphere, Johnson managed to have a one-on-one conversation with Biden in the Oval Office.

During their private discussion, Johnson raised the issue of the pause on LNG exports to Europe, expressing his concerns about the impact on allies and the potential consequences of fueling Vladimir Putin’s agenda. To Johnson’s surprise, Biden seemed unaware of the executive order he had signed, denying any knowledge of the pause on LNG exports.

Johnson pressed the president on the matter, emphasizing the negative effects the pause could have on the economy and national security. He even suggested that they review the executive order together to clarify the situation. Johnson left the meeting feeling unsettled, questioning who was truly running the country if the president was unaware of his own actions.

The pause on LNG exports, initiated by Biden in January 2024, has faced criticism from various quarters, including the oil community and bipartisan lawmakers. Studies have shown that the ban could jeopardize nearly 1 million jobs over the next two decades and have significant economic repercussions if sustained.

As the debate over LNG exports continues, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will address the concerns raised by industry leaders and lawmakers. With the transition to a new administration on the horizon, the future of LNG exports and its impact on the economy remain uncertain.

In conclusion, Johnson’s account of his meeting with President Biden sheds light on the challenges and complexities of energy policy and national security. It underscores the importance of informed decision-making and effective communication at the highest levels of government to ensure the well-being of the country and its citizens.