House Speaker Mike Johnson finds himself at the centre of online mockery following a painfully awkward appearance on a podcast that has critics questioning his sense of cool.
The Cringe-Worthy Exchange
In a preview shared on Monday, November 24, 2025, former Trump administration spokesperson Katie Miller asked Johnson a simple question: "You know who Jelly Roll is?" Rather than offering a straightforward answer, the Louisiana Republican responded with indignation. Waving an incorrect Hawaiian "shaka" sign with three fingers accidentally extended, Johnson declared, "Do I know... Yes, we have selfies together."
The Speaker was referring to a photograph taken with the rapper-singer and Kid Rock at a UFC event in November 2024. The entire exchange delivered what many are calling a masterclass in political cringe.
Johnson's Unhip Track Record
This awkward moment isn't Johnson's first venture into cultural commentary. The interview revealed his conservative tastes in entertainment, particularly his criticism of the NFL's choice of Bad Bunny for the halftime show. Johnson suggested 83-year-old Lee Greenwood, known for performing "God Bless the U.S.A." at Trump events, as his preferred alternative.
Adding to the unusual interview, Johnson's wife Kelly joined him and offered her perspective on gender differences, suggesting men's brains are like "waffles" with "little compartments."
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The preview clip quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing widespread commentary about the disconnect between politicians and mainstream culture. This incident follows Johnson's established pattern of aligning with conservative cultural critics while attempting to demonstrate relevance.
As the full podcast episode prepares to air, political observers are watching to see if this viral moment will have any lasting impact on Johnson's public image or simply fade as another footnote in the ongoing theater of political entertainment.
