House Speaker Mike Johnson Discusses Near-Drowning Incident Involving His Sons
In a recent interview on the podcast “Pod Force One,” House Speaker Mike Johnson opened up about a terrifying incident when his two teenage sons nearly drowned. This event occurred during a fundraising trip to Florida in Thanksgiving week of 2023.
“They were pulled far away and almost didn’t make it,” Johnson recounted to columnist Miranda Devine. He described how his son Jack was trying to hold onto his younger brother Will, who was only 13 at the time. “It was pretty traumatic,” he added, reflecting on how many kids were caught in the same situation.
Johnson clarified that both sons had to go to the emergency room to have their lungs pumped after the close call. Previous reports from last year mentioned the powerful current they faced in the ocean and how a nearby parasailor spotted them just in time.
“They were good swimmers, but that rip current was so intense that it pulled them way out,” Johnson explained. He emphasized that they were fortunate for the parasailor’s help, who saw his youngest son’s head going under and called for assistance.
A lifeguard was then alerted and quickly dispatched a jet ski to rescue them. When Johnson arrived at the beach, he was met by medical personnel who were already treating his sons. He felt a bit helpless, witnessing the situation as it unfolded.
Now, nearly a year and a half later, Jack has finished his freshman year at the Naval Academy and aspires to join the Special Forces. Reflecting on the ordeal, Johnson recalled how former President Trump reached out the day after hearing about the near-tragedy. “I hadn’t told him anything prior. He was genuinely worried, saying, ‘Mike, that’s like a miracle.’ I told him that if it weren’t for the parasailor, we would have lost both of them,” Johnson shared.
Months later, at an event in Butler, Pennsylvania, Johnson reiterated how he believes divine intervention was key to their survival. “God works in mysterious ways, teaching us tough lessons,” he said.
On a related note, Trump recently marked the anniversary of an assassination attempt on him, reflecting on how much he has changed since then. Johnson noted that Trump has become more thoughtful and careful in his decision-making during his second term.
