Embarrassing Details Emerge From Top Johnson Aide’s DUI Arrest
Hayden Haynes was arrested after Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress last week.

The Daily Beast/LinkedIn/Getty
Hayden Haynes, the chief of staff to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson who was arrested for DUI after Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress last week, couldn’t complete a field sobriety test because he was so unstable, and in his jail cell dropped a full urine sample cup into the toilet.
Those are among the details in an affidavit from the arresting officer, which Politico published Monday.
According to the affidavit, Haynes, who was driving his white Tesla sedan, twice hit a black Chevy Suburban.
The responding officer, after making Haynes park the car, noticed he was “unsteady” when he got out. After asking for Haynes' license and registration, the officer said he “had an unsteady walk and fell into the passenger seat” of his car.
ADVERTISEMENT
Haynes “had difficulty trying to get his registration of his vehicle and was slurring his words when voice activating his vehicle to open the glove compartment,” according to the document.
Haynes, who told the officer he had had four drinks in four hours, “needed assistance when keeping his balance to stand still” and “had a strong odor consistent of alcohol emanating from his breath.”
Sign Up for The Swamp Newsletter
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Prior to the field sobriety test, Haynes needed help putting his glasses in his pocket, the affidavit states. And during the test, he was reminded “multiple times” to follow the pen light with his eyes.
That test couldn’t be completed, it goes on, due to Haynes’ “constant swaying left to right, and leaning forward.”
After being arrested and brought in for processing, Haynes was in his cell providing a urine sample when he dropped the full cup into the toilet, the affidavit continues. He ultimately wasn’t able to provide any urine sample.
After learning of Haynes’ arrest, Johnson has publicly supported him.
“The Speaker is aware of the encounter that occurred last night involving his Chief of Staff and the Capitol Police,” Johnson spokesperson Taylor Haulsee said in a statement last Wednesday to NBC News.
“The Speaker 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,” he added. “Because of this and Hayden’s esteemed reputation among Members and staff alike, the Speaker has full faith and confidence in Hayden’s ability to lead the Speaker’s office.”
Haynes has been Johnson’s chief of staff since Johnson took on the role in October 2023. In 2016, Haynes was Johnson’s campaign manager when he ran for Congress in Louisiana.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.

