Utah GOP House speaker hides speaking calendar after speech to Christian nationalists
Christian Leaders Lay Hands and Pray over Trump
Official White House Photos by Joyce Boghosian
February 13, 2024
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz is under scrutiny for giving conflicting reasons for hiding his calendar for his speaking engagements from the public after he spoke at a Christian nationalist event last month, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.
The Salt Lake Tribune sought a copy of Schultz's schedule but found that the lawmaker's calendar is nowhere to be found.
Schultz spoke at a January event sponsored by the “Patriot Academy,” which the Tribune describes as a "far-right group that offers “biblical citizenship” training programs that encourage the Christian nationalist belief that government should be run according to Christian values."
ALSO: 'For God's sake, it's dumb!' Biden flattens Trump for NATO comments
When asked about his participation in the event, Schultz said, “It’s no secret that I’m passionate about states’ rights and appreciate efforts made to push back on the federal government’s overreach."
“Rep. Ken Ivory invited me to speak on federalism and provide my perspective," he added. "I’m invited to speak at numerous events by countless of organizations each year and always appreciate the opportunity to share my insight.”
When asked by The Tribune to share his calendar so he can show what other groups asked him to speak, he refused. When the Tribune then put in an open records request under Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act to obtain the calendar, it was told that the House of Representatives "has no records that are responsive to your request."
Read the full report over at The Salt Lake Tribune.