House Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff pleads not guilty to DUI charges

House Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of driving under the influence and operating a vehicle while impaired a month after his arrest following President Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress.

DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heide Herrmann ordered Hayden Haynes to submit to drug and alcohol testing and to not to drive while impaired after the Capitol Hill staffer entered his plea on the two misdemeanor charges, according to the Washington Post. 

Haynes, 35, was permitted to remain on release following the brief virtual hearing. 

Haynes was arrested after his car backed into a parked vehicle after Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress. Getty Images

Capitol Police arrested the longtime Johnson aide on March 4 — about 45 minutes after the president’s address concluded — when he backed his Tesla into a parked Chevrolet Suburban. 

The officer responding to the incident said Haynes was “unsteady” as he exited his vehicle. 

Haynes told the officer that he had four drinks within a four-hour period, according to the Washington Post. 

After the incident, a spokesman for Johnson indicated that the House speaker has “confidence” in Haynes despite his arrest.

“The Speaker is aware of the encounter that occurred last night involving his Chief of Staff and the Capitol Police,” spokesman Taylor Haulsee said in a statement. 

Johnson has expressed support of Haynes since his arrest. AP

“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,” the Johnson staffer 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’ next court date is scheduled for May 16.