Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) decision to shake up leadership on the House Intelligence Committee sent shockwaves throughout the panel and beyond, fueling concerns on both sides of the aisle about the influence of the MAGA-right and how sensitive national security matters will be handled in the looming Trump era.

Johnson declined to reappoint Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) — a defense hawk and more traditional national security-focused holdover from former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) time leading the House GOP — to the chairmanship of the high-profile committee. Instead, the Speaker opted to install Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), the most-senior GOP member of the panel who has been more skeptical of Ukraine aid, to the top job.

The change, which Johnson solidified Thursday, is setting a Trumpier tone at the top of the plum committee.

While Turner is an ardent supporter of Ukraine, Crawford voted against a multibillion-dollar aid package for Kyiv last year. Crawford, in a statement announcing his new chairmanship, raised concern that “abuse within our nation’s security apparatus has eroded trust in our institutions.” And while Turner voted to certify the 2020 election, Crawford objected to certifying electors from both Pennsylvania and Arizona.

The unexpected nature of the roster shift is sparking questions among members of the panel about approach the committee will take moving forward — and targeting some ire at Johnson.

“It kind of came out of nowhere. No good explanation,” Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) said of Turner’s removal. “Lot of experience and expertise gone with Mike Turner. Not obvious what Johnson has in mind for the future, so we all have questions and concerns.”

“There's been too much disruption on one of the most important committees in Congress,” Crenshaw said, adding, “It's all happened under Johnson's leadership.”

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), another member of the panel, pointed to President-elect Trump’s apparent influence on the decision. One GOP lawmaker told The Hill that “Mar-a-Lago vetoed Turner.”

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