House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik is openly accusing Speaker Mike Johnson of protecting the “deep state.” She claims he is blocking her plan to expose alleged FBI political surveillance abuses linked to the Crossfire Hurricane and Arctic Frost investigations.
Stefanik said on X that Johnson’s leadership team is “quietly killing” her amendment behind closed doors. Her proposal would require the FBI to notify Congress whenever it opens counterintelligence investigations involving presidential or federal candidates.
Stefanik Says GOP Leadership Is Siding With Democrats
In a lengthy post, Stefanik argued that the FBI withheld key information during earlier probes.
She said her push for mandatory congressional notification is essential to stop future abuses.
She wrote:
“Republicans have the House, Senate, and White House, yet the deep state is still alive. The Speaker is getting rolled by House Democrats who want to block my provision requiring disclosure of FBI investigations into candidates.”
She also pointed to her 2017 exchange with former FBI Director James Comey. Stefanik said that hearing exposed the FBI’s failures during the opening of Crossfire Hurricane. She argued that her reform would prevent similar actions.
She warned Republicans that continued resistance from Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin shows the “deep state” is still influencing Congress.
🚨🚨🚨
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) December 1, 2025
Republicans have the House, Senate, and the White House, yet the deep state is alive and well with the Speaker getting rolled by House Dems attempting to block my provision to require Congressional disclosure when the FBI opens counterintelligence investigations into…
Arctic Frost Surveillance Scandal Fuels New Anger
Stefanik said her amendment is more critical than ever because of the recent Arctic Frost wiretapping scandal.
She argued that new leaks involving businessman Steve Witkoff show a continued pattern of political weaponization.
She made her stance clear:
If the provision is not added back into the bill, she will vote NO.
“It is a disgrace that Republicans are letting Democrats and the deep state roll them on this,” she wrote.
Johnson Denies the Allegations
Speaker Johnson quickly fired back, calling Stefanik’s claims “false.”
He told reporters that he does not understand why Stefanik didn’t contact him directly.
“I texted her yesterday,” Johnson said. “She is upset her provision might not be added to the NDAA. But this hasn’t even reached my level yet.”
🚨 Elise Stefanik GOES OFF on Mike Johnson following his response to a question from @AndiNapier this morning about Stefanik's accusation that the Speaker is 'protecting the deep state.' https://t.co/24H2cPmxab pic.twitter.com/ggbJY7XtgS
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 2, 2025
Stefanik Fires Back: “Just More Lies”
Stefanik rejected Johnson’s explanation and accused him of misleading Republicans.
“Just more lies from the Speaker,” she posted on X. She claimed Johnson pretends to be unaware whenever he is “caught torpedoing the Republican agenda.”
She added:
“This is the ONLY provision that roots out deep state rot. It passed the House Intelligence Committee and deserves a vote on the floor.”
Growing GOP Rift Over Intelligence Reform
The feud highlights a widening split inside the House GOP.
Trump-aligned lawmakers like Stefanik want aggressive oversight of the FBI and intelligence community.
Meanwhile, Johnson has tried to balance those demands with passing major legislation.
In recent weeks, Stefanik has adopted a sharper tone toward Johnson. She has joined Freedom Caucus members who warn that leadership is weakening promised reforms aimed at dismantling what they call a “weaponized bureaucracy.”
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