Critics said the removal erodes congressional oversight and advances the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

House Speaker Mike Johnson removed Intelligence Committee chair Rep. Mike Turner who had been a strong defender of NATO and aid for Ukraine in defending itself against Russia.

The pro-Ukraine minority in the House GOP have taken several blows as the majority party reconfigures its committees and chairmanships for the new Congress.

Rep. Mike Turner last year warned of a “national security threat” in what some Republicans considered a political ruse.

Speaker Mike Johnson has announced the Ohio Republican will no longer lead powerful investigatory panel, reportedly under pressure from the president-elect

The Ohio Republican has been an outspoken advocate for Ukraine funding and other hawkish national security stances.

Representative Michael R. Turner, Republican of Ohio, had at times been critical of the president-elect. He told people that he was removed after an edict from Mar-a-Lago.

Johnson sent shockwaves around Capitol Hill when he decided to oust Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio — a staunch NATO supporter who has aggressively pushed for U.S. aid to Ukraine — as chair of the House Intelligence Committee and replace him with Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., a conservative who voted against the most recent Ukraine aid package.

WASHINGTON – House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, was abruptly fired from his role by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday, prompting concerns from some members about President-elect Donald Trump's approach to intervening in Congressional affairs.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Thursday selected Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) to chair the House Intelligence Committee, elevating the veteran panel member to the role after he removed Rep. Mike

Speaker Mike Johnson tapped CIA Subcommittee Chairman Rick Crawford as the new head of the House Intelligence Committee after a dramatic shakeup saw the ouster of Mike Turner.

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday abruptly removed Ohio Republican Mike Turner as chair of the House Intelligence Committee, saying it was time for a “fresh start” during the new Congress. Turner later told CBS the shakeup came due to “concerns from Mar-a-Lago.