Staff Reports
In the latest twist of irony from the Hill, Hayden Haynes, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff, has found himself in a predicament that could inspire a cable news segment or two. After a rousing presidential address delivered by Donald Trump, Haynes was allegedly arrested for driving under the influence, cementing the idea that even high-ranking political staffers sometimes can’t resist the temptation of one too many.
The drunk driving stunt unfolded when Haynes’ vehicle took a little too close an interest in a Capitol vehicle, reportedly causing minor mishaps around 11:40 p.m. When Capitol Police arrived on the scene, they swiftly made the call to arrest Haynes for not having his wits about him at the wheel. The incident may not be as dramatic as a congressional brawl over budget cuts, but it certainly adds to the mix of Capitol shenanigans.
Breaking:
Hayden Haynes, the chief of staff to House Speaker Mike Johnson, was arrested early Wednesday morning — hours after Trump's speech — for drunken driving after his car struck a Capitol vehicle. https://t.co/JWj7CjONDT
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) March 5, 2025
Haynes was promptly released after being issued a citation, which undoubtedly will be a footnote in what could be an entertaining court appearance down the line. It’s almost comical how the pressures of the political game can lead one to indulge in such reckless behavior, especially after a night where the focus was on bringing the nation together. Instead, it seems that the chief of staff has managed to bring attention to the importance of responsible driving, albeit in a rather ironic fashion.
In the wake of this spectacle, Johnson’s office, in an attempt to put out any potential fires, expressed unwavering support for Haynes. Even in dire times, there’s comfort to be found in the trust placed in him. Following nearly a decade of working closely together, Johnson’s spokesperson insisted that he has “full faith and confidence” in Haynes’ capabilities to manage the Speaker’s office. It seems that loyalty runs deep, or at least until it hits the courtroom.
While Haynes may have shaken things up after Trump’s address, it’s hard not to chuckle at the notion that a political figure could drive themselves into a major headline simply because of a reckless decision. It appears that no matter the occasion, some individuals are always willing to take the scenic route—court citations and all.
