Johnson's sons nearly drowned in a dramatic incident that was not widely reported at the time, but which the Speaker has now shared in an interview with The Atlantic.
Johnson was in a meeting with donors at a beachside hotel near Mar-a-Lago when his security detail interrupted with the news that his sons had been swept out by a rip current. In Johnson's recounting, his 13-year-old son Will was drowning, while his 18-year-old son Jack was prepared to sacrifice his own life to push his brother back to the surface. A parasailer spotted Will's head from above and alerted lifeguards, who used jet skis to rescue the boys. Johnson arrived at the beach to find medical personnel performing chest compressions on his sons. After four hours in the emergency room, they were cleared to go home.
A devout Christian, Johnson believes that divine intervention saved his children. Former President Donald Trump, who learned of the incident, concurred with Johnson's interpretation. "President Trump heard about it somehow—miraculously, this never made the news,” Johnson recalled. The two had a lengthy conversation about the incident and its spiritual implications. "He was just so moved by the idea that we almost lost them, and we talked about it at great length. And we talked about the faith aspect of that, because he knows that I believe that, you know—that God spared the lives of my sons. That’s how I understand those events, and we talked about that,” Johnson said. Trump echoed Johnson's sentiment, stating, "God—God saved your sons’ lives."
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The incident had a profound impact on Johnson, who spoke about the concept of providence. He likened the parasailer's timely spotting of his son to the potential of a Trump victory in November, describing it as "providential" and a "gift to be embraced soberly, for a purpose larger than oneself." Johnson added, "And we talked about that, and I think he has a real appreciation for that, and that’s been, you know—it’s been encouraging to me."
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The Speaker's experience resonates with parents everywhere, who understand that the welfare of their children surpasses all other concerns, including politics, foreign aid, or presidential elections. The near-drowning incident served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the power of faith, a sentiment echoed by many parents who find themselves praying for their children's safety.
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The interaction between Trump and Johnson, two prominent figures in conservative politics, offers a glimpse into their personal beliefs and their shared understanding of the role of faith in their lives. As Johnson once told Trump that he was praying for him, the then-President responded: “Thank you, Mike. Tell God I said hi.” This exchange encapsulates the blend of humor, faith, and camaraderie that characterizes their relationship, offering a humanizing perspective on these public figures.
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