WASHINGTON – House Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff Hayden Haynes was arrested shortly after President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress on a DUI charge, according to Capitol police.
Haynes had backed into a parked Capitol vehicle around 11:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Capitol police said, and they “responded and arrested” him for DUI. A DUI offense occurs when an individual drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He was released with a citation to appear in court, Capitol police added.
NBC News first reported on the development. Johnson spokesperson Taylor Haulsee told the outlet that the speaker is “aware of the encounter.”
Mar 4, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; US. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) talks to staff ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump was expected to address Congress on his early achievements of his presidency and his upcoming legislative agenda. Mandatory Credit: Win McNamee-Pool via Imagn Images
“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,” Haulsee added. “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.”
Haynes has been a top aide to Johnson for several years.
He’s been chief of staff in the speaker’s office since October 2023, when Johnson secured the top leadership role. Prior to that, he was chief of staff to Johnson in his personal office since 2017. He also managed Johnson’s 2016 congressional campaign.
He previously served in former Republican Louisiana Sen. David Vitter’s office.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Johnson’s chief of staff arrested on DUI charge
