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Rep. Burgess Owens praises Johnson first-ballot win, criticizes Democrats in TV interview
Summary
In a televised interview, Utah Rep. Burgess Owens called Speaker Mike Johnson’s first-ballot reelection a sign of an "America First" majority, criticized Democrats for moving toward "Marxism," and questioned recent Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients.
Congressman Burgess Owens, R-Utah, told host Lydia in a televised interview that Speaker Mike Johnson’s first-ballot reelection signals an "America First" direction for the Republican majority and said Democrats are moving toward "Marxism." Owens also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris' recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and said awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton and George Soros provoked outrage.
The interview focused on the GOP leadership vote and Owens’ view of the party’s direction after the 119th Congress convened. "It says that we finally have a congress as America First," Owens said, describing Johnson’s victory as the product of a movement he traced to former President Donald Trump. Owens called the current House and Senate majorities "the smallest majority we've ever had," a characterization he offered during the segment.
Host Lydia played a brief audio clip the program identified as Vice President Kamala Harris reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Owens responded, "She doesn't even know the pledge of allegiance," and said the moment underscored what he described as broader educational and civic deficits. "We need to get back to teaching our kids to love our nation," he said, adding that the party will emphasize education on civic institutions throughout "pre K to 12" and higher education.
On honors awarded by President Joe Biden, Lydia cited recipients including Alex Soros and Hillary Clinton. Owens said the awards reflected poorly on Democrats and repeated his criticism of those figures, calling them "devoid of wisdom" and saying "the far left Marxist will continue to drive their party into the hole." He framed the Republican message as one of restoring "the American dream" and said President Trump has assembled people who will carry out his promises.
Throughout the interview Owens praised Johnson as "one of the most conservative" and "most respected" members of Congress and said Johnson's relationship with Trump would reduce past "chaos." The interview did not include any formal policy announcements or votes; it was a televised commentary on recent Congressional and national political developments.
The exchange contained partisan characterizations and evaluative language that Owens and the host presented as opinion. No new legislation, committee assignments, or formal actions were discussed or taken during the segment.
