(The Hill) – Capitol Police arrested House Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) chief of staff on DUI charges Tuesday after President Trump’s first address to Congress concluded.
Authorities say Hayden Haynes “backed into a parked vehicle” around 11:40 p.m.
‘This is not normal’: Who held up the protest sign before Trump’s speech?
Johnson’s office said they are aware of the incident and still confident in Haynes’ ability to lead the office team.
"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,” Taylor Haulsee, a spokesperson for Johnson’s office, said in a statement.
“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.”
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) arrives to President Trump's joint address to Congress on March 04, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images)
The charges were first reported by NBC News.
Is Social Security money going to ‘millions’ of people listed as old as 149?
D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb will handle Hayden’s prosecution, which differs from most cases in the District of Columbia. (Ed Martin, the interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., would oversee most cases except in the instance of a DUI.)
Schwalb has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration and his efforts to eradicate the District’s autonomous government.
The Hill has reached out to Schwalb for comment on the matter.
