Mike Johnson has been speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives since October 2023, following other Republicans' multiple failed bids for leadership and a contentious nomination process.
In a report from the day of his election, The Associated Press described the Louisiana Republican as "deeply conservative but lesser-known." This particular combination of traits, coupled with reports about Johnson's past working with anti-LGBTQ+ groups, resulted in a slew of satirical rumors about Johnson related to his views.
For example, Snopes debunked a claim that Johnson said he did "extensive studies of homosexual relationships" in college and a claim that adult film star Stormy Daniels — best known for allegedly accepting hush money from President Donald Trump — had not, in fact, admitted to a "business relationship" with Johnson.
Rumors about Johnson's policies, comments and sexuality have continued to spread amid his tenure as speaker. Here's a look into what we've investigated about the conservative politician.
