Mike Johnson's chief of staff pleads not guilty to DUI

A top aide to House Speaker Mike Johnson pleaded not guilty after facing a charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence the night President Donald Trump made a speech to a joint session of Congress.

Politico reported that Hayden Haynes appeared Thursday at a hearing before D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heide Herrmann via video conference. Stuart Sears, a prominent white collar attorney, accompanied Johnson's aide.

Sears has represented high-profile clients like Steele Dossier source Igor Danchenko and Mueller investigation witness Sam Patten. While Haynes identified himself to the court, he let Sears do most of the talking.

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A U.S. Capitol Police report accused Johnson's chief of staff of being unable to complete a field sobriety test on the morning of March 5, just hours after Trump spoke to Congress. The arrest came after Haynes's white Tesla sedan struck a black Chevy Suburban twice.

Herrmann ordered Haynes to submit to a drug test and alcohol assessment but allowed him to remain free while his charges were pending.

Another court date was set for next month.