Thomas Fallah, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has apologized and withdrawn comments he made about Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, after lawmakers opened a probe into remarks he made during a radio interview.
In a statement posed on his Facebook page Tuesday, Fallah said his comments during a recent appearance on SpoonTalk were made in good faith and were never intended to undermine the Speaker’s credibility and competence.
“I wish to state clearly that my comments on SpoonTalk regarding my friend, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, were made in good faith and without any intent to mislead, malign, or undermine,” Fallah said.
“However, in the interest of collegiality and respect for the Office of the Speaker, if my statement caused any concern to Speaker Koon, I hereby retract it and offer my sincere apology.”
The controversy stems from comments Fallah made on SpoonTalk on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in which he suggested that Speaker Koon needed time to learn and grow in the role.
“Richard Koon needs time to grow and learn. He didn’t play a major leadership role in the House of Representatives till he became Speaker,” Fallah said.
“There are reasons he needs to change some of his attitude and lifestyle… but he enjoys our confidence.”
He added that Koon had made “a lot of blunders” but said he was working with him to address them.
Despite the criticism, Fallah emphasized that he and Speaker Koon share a longstanding personal relationship that predates their service in the House, adding that he values the bond and does not wish to jeopardize their mutual respect and camaraderie.
