House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) narrowly averted tragedy when his two teenage sons were swept out to sea by a rip current during a Florida fundraising trip shortly after his appointment as speaker in the fall. The boys, 18-year-old Jack and 13-year-old Will, were rescued by lifeguards on jet skis after being spotted by a passing parasailer. Johnson confirmed the incident to The Washington Post but declined to provide further details.
Johnson recounted the harrowing experience in an interview with The Atlantic, crediting divine intervention for the survival of his sons. The incident brought up discussions about faith with former President Donald Trump, who has consistently courted evangelical Christian voters. Johnson, an evangelical Southern Baptist, has enjoyed Trump’s support since taking over as speaker in October 2022.
Trump praised Johnson’s efforts as speaker despite their slim majority, describing him as a ‘very good person’ who is ‘trying very hard.’ Johnson’s near-death experience with his sons underscores the unpredictable dangers of rip currents, highlighting the importance of water safety and the need for swift action in such situations. The incident also sheds light on the personal faith and spiritual beliefs of both Johnson and Trump, highlighting the role of religion in their lives and its influence on their public service.
The Louisianan’s decision to share his story in response to a question about Trump’s moral guidance suggests that he views the former president as a person of faith and conviction. Johnson’s own religious beliefs, as an evangelical Southern Baptist, align with the values of many conservative voters, particularly within the evangelical Christian community. By recounting his sons’ near-drowning experience and discussing his faith with Trump, Johnson not only highlights the importance of personal resilience and the power of prayer but also reinforces the connection between religion and politics that has played a significant role in American society throughout history.
