Speaker Mike Johnson’s top staffer, Hayden Haynes, was arrested for driving under the influence shortly after Tuesday’s joint session of Congress, the speaker’s office and Capitol Police said.
“A driver backed into a parked vehicle last night around 11:40 p.m. We responded and arrested them for DUI,” a police statement said. The incident took place about 45 minutes after President Donald Trump completed his congressional address, with Johnson sitting directly behind him.
Haynes has served as an aide to Johnson since 2016 and has served as his chief of staff since the Louisiana Republican became speaker in October 2023. Johnson spokesperson Taylor Haulsee pointed to a statement backing Haynes that was given to NBC News, which first reported the arrest.
Johnson is “aware of the encounter that occurred last night involving his Chief of Staff and the Capitol Police,” the statement said, adding that Johnson “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.”
Johnson echoed those points in comments on Haynes to reporters later Wednesday: “I’ve worked with him. He’s trusted and respected. And he has my full faith and confidence.”
