The LifeSiteNews Turmoil: John-Henry Westen’s Removal, Reinstatement, and the Role of Bishop Strickland

The LifeSiteNews Turmoil: John-Henry Westen’s Removal, Reinstatement, and the Role of Bishop Strickland

The Catholic media landscape, particularly within conservative and traditionalist circles, has been rocked by a series of dramatic events surrounding LifeSiteNews, a prominent pro-life and pro-family news outlet. At the heart of this controversy is the sudden removal and subsequent reinstatement of John-Henry Westen, the co-founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of LifeSiteNews, in July 2025. Intertwined with this saga is the involvement of Bishop Joseph Strickland, the former Bishop of Tyler, Texas, whose leaked audio from a board meeting has added fuel to an already contentious situation. This blog post delves into the details of Westen’s ousting and return, the mysterious survey that played a pivotal role, the audio involving Bishop Strickland, and the broader scandal that has raised questions about LifeSiteNews’s leadership, editorial direction, and internal dynamics. Drawing from available sources, this post aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced account of the events while critically examining the underlying issues.

What Happened: The Timeline of Events

The LifeSiteNews saga unfolded rapidly over a two-week period in July 2025, capturing the attention of Catholic media and sparking widespread speculation online. Here’s a detailed timeline of the key events:

- July 7, 2025: LifeSiteNews journalist Stephen Kokx announced on X that he was leaving the organization after eight years, stating he was “actively seeking employment elsewhere.” His departure raised eyebrows, as it coincided with internal tensions at LifeSiteNews, though Kokx did not explicitly link his exit to the unfolding drama. His cryptic remarks about the “imposter Synodal Church in Rome” and criticism of media outlets treating Pope Leo XIV as different from his “heretical predecessors” hinted at editorial disagreements.[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2469-life-site-news-founder-s-tenure-comes-to-an-end)

- July 8, 2025: LifeSiteNews issued a press release announcing that its board had decided to end John-Henry Westen’s tenure as CEO and Editor-in-Chief. The decision was framed as the result of “careful consideration, extensive prayer, and a commitment to best serve our donors, readers, and employees, guided by numerous factors aligned with our mission.” No specific reasons for Westen’s removal were provided, fueling speculation among supporters and critics alike.[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2469-life-site-news-founder-s-tenure-comes-to-an-end)

- July 9, 2025: Bishop Joseph Strickland, a frequent contributor to LifeSiteNews and a prominent conservative figure, posted a statement on X defending Westen. He emphatically denied claims that Westen was removed for “speaking the truth about Pope Leo XIV or about troubling trends within the Church,” calling such assertions a “distortion” that dishonored Westen’s work. Strickland declined to elaborate on the “internal decisions” behind the move, stating they were not his to explain.[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/bishop-strickland-statement-on-john-henry-westen-and-the-defense-of-truth/)

- July 16, 2025: Westen sent an email to LifeSiteNews staff and board members, claiming that the vote to remove him was not conducted in accordance with the organization’s bylaws. He argued that, as per board president Dominic Ismert, he remained both CEO and a board member until a lawful determination was made.[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2469-life-site-news-founder-s-tenure-comes-to-an-end)

- July 17, 2025: A YouTube video posted by Christine Harrington on her channel, Eternal Life Plan, revealed a leaked audio recording of the LifeSiteNews board meeting that led to Westen’s removal. The recording, allegedly provided by an anonymous board member, shed light on the contentious discussions and accusations leveled against Westen.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

- July 18, 2025: Following a board meeting, LifeSiteNews announced Westen’s reinstatement as president and CEO, “subject to administrative review and investigation.” The terse two-line statement offered no further details, leaving observers puzzled about the sudden reversal.[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2469-life-site-news-founder-s-tenure-comes-to-an-end)

This whirlwind of events has left the Catholic community divided, with some viewing the episode as a failed attempt to silence a vocal traditionalist voice, while others see it as evidence of deeper dysfunction within LifeSiteNews. To understand the full scope of the scandal, we must explore the reasons for Westen’s removal, the survey that sparked the controversy, the leaked audio involving Bishop Strickland, and the broader implications for LifeSiteNews’s mission and credibility.

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Why Was John-Henry Westen Removed?

The initial announcement of Westen’s removal on July 8, 2025, provided little clarity on the reasons behind the board’s decision. The vague reference to “numerous factors aligned with our mission” left room for rampant speculation. However, subsequent reports and the leaked audio have revealed a complex web of issues, ranging from management concerns to ideological disputes.

Declining Readership and Financial Struggles

One of the primary reasons cited for Westen’s removal was a significant decline in LifeSiteNews’s readership and financial support. According to Steve Jalsevac, LifeSiteNews’s managing director and co-founder, the organization experienced a 72% drop in readership over the past three years, coupled with a falloff in new donors. This financial strain reportedly eroded the board’s confidence in Westen’s leadership, as he was seen as responsible for steering the organization’s strategic and editorial direction. Jalsevac’s statement, published on July 9, 2025, pointed to these metrics as the “immediate cause” of the board’s decision.[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2469-life-site-news-founder-s-tenure-comes-to-an-end)

The decline in readership could be attributed to several factors, including shifts in online media consumption, competition from other conservative Catholic outlets, or dissatisfaction with LifeSiteNews’s editorial tone. Some critics argue that Westen’s uncompromising stance on issues like abortion, Church reform, and traditional liturgy may have alienated moderate readers, while others contend that the broader Catholic media landscape has become oversaturated, making it harder for LifeSiteNews to maintain its once-dominant position.

 The Infamous Employee Survey

A critical piece of the puzzle is a survey of LifeSiteNews employees, the results of which were presented during the board meeting that led to Westen’s removal. The survey, referenced in the leaked audio, reportedly reflected negatively on Westen’s management style and leadership. While the full contents of the survey have not been made public, the audio suggests it contained serious allegations about Westen’s conduct.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

According to Patrick Fabian, LifeSiteNews’s Director of Administration and Controller, who testified during the board meeting, the survey raised “legal and ethical concerns” about Westen’s activities. These included accusations of inurement (using the organization for personal benefit), equal opportunity violations, discrimination, charity fraud, soliciting funds under false pretenses, unlawful employment of illegal aliens, conflicts of interest, and nepotism. Fabian provided specific examples, though these details remain largely undisclosed in public reports. The gravity of these accusations suggests that the survey was a significant catalyst for the board’s initial decision to oust Westen.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

However, Westen disputed the survey’s validity, claiming in the leaked audio that he was blindsided by its presentation. He stated that Bishop Strickland had texted him days before the meeting, declaring him “not fit for leadership” and presenting a pre-written resignation letter based on the survey’s findings. Westen’s refusal to sign the letter and his questioning of the survey’s process underscored a lack of transparency and procedural fairness, which he later cited in his email to the board on July 16.[](https://maricamicallef.com/2025/07/leaked-recording-ex-employees-statements-give-a-clearer-picture-of-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-lifesitenews-vis-a-vis-john-henry-westen/)

 Ideological Tensions and Sedevacantism Allegations

Beyond management issues, ideological tensions within LifeSiteNews appear to have played a significant role in Westen’s removal. The leaked audio revealed concerns about the presence of sedevacantists—those who believe the papal see is vacant due to perceived heresy—among LifeSiteNews’s staff. Ann Lyke, another speaker at the board meeting, expressed alarm that approximately five sedevacantists held key editorial positions. She claimed that Westen was aware of their presence but denied it when questioned by Deacon Keith Fournier in the presence of Bishop Strickland, calling his response a “blatant lie.” Lyke argued that the employment of sedevacantists posed a reputational risk to LifeSiteNews, particularly if donors or critics discovered it.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

These allegations point to a deeper ideological rift within the organization. LifeSiteNews has long been known for its hardline traditionalist stance, often criticizing progressive elements within the Catholic Church, including the papacies of Pope Francis and, more recently, Pope Leo XIV. Some board members and staff appear to have grown uncomfortable with the outlet’s increasingly confrontational tone, particularly its criticism of the current pontiff. The accusation that Westen’s leadership tolerated or even enabled sedevacantist views suggests a clash between those who advocate for a militant, uncompromising approach and those who favor a more restrained editorial direction.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

 Bishop Strickland’s Role and the Resignation Letter

Bishop Joseph Strickland, a vocal conservative who was himself removed as Bishop of Tyler, Texas, by Pope Francis in November 2023, emerged as a central figure in the controversy. According to the leaked audio, Strickland texted Westen prior to the board meeting, stating, “You’re not fit for leadership,” and presented him with a pre-written resignation letter. The letter, which Westen claimed was drafted without clear authority, demanded that he resign from both his board position and leadership role but allowed him to retain a job at LifeSiteNews.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)[](https://maricamicallef.com/2025/07/leaked-recording-ex-employees-statements-give-a-clearer-picture-of-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-lifesitenews-vis-a-vis-john-henry-westen/)

Strickland’s involvement raised questions about his influence within LifeSiteNews and his motivations. While he publicly denied that Westen’s removal was due to his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, the leaked audio suggests that ideological concerns, including Westen’s “pope bashing” and reluctance to embrace the new pontificate, were indeed factors in the survey results. Strickland’s statement on July 9, 2025, defending Westen and dismissing claims of his removal for “speaking the truth” has been criticized as a half-truth, given his apparent knowledge of the sedevacantist issue and other survey complaints.[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/bishop-strickland-statement-on-john-henry-westen-and-the-defense-of-truth/)[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

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The Leaked Audio: Bishop Strickland’s Role Exposed

The leaked audio, posted on July 17, 2025, by Christine Harrington on her YouTube channel, Eternal Life Plan, provided a rare glimpse into the internal workings of LifeSiteNews’s board meeting. Allegedly sent by an anonymous board member, the recording captured heated exchanges and accusations that shed light on the motivations behind Westen’s removal.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

In the audio, Westen recounts receiving a text from Bishop Strickland declaring him unfit for leadership, followed by an in-person meeting where Strickland presented the resignation letter. Westen expressed shock at the suddenness of the accusations and the lack of opportunity to respond to the survey’s findings. He also described Strickland’s threat to disassociate from LifeSiteNews if he did not resign, which Westen interpreted as an answer to his prayers not to sign the letter.[](https://maricamicallef.com/2025/07/leaked-recording-ex-employees-statements-give-a-clearer-picture-of-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-lifesitenews-vis-a-vis-john-henry-westen/)

Strickland, who was present via conference call for part of the meeting, pushed back defensively, saying, “John-Henry, you can’t lay this off on me.” His tone was described as passive-aggressive, and his threat to sever ties with LifeSiteNews added pressure on Westen to comply. The audio also captured testimony from Patrick Fabian and Ann Lyke, who detailed the survey’s allegations and the sedevacantist concerns, respectively.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

The leak of this audio intensified the scandal, as it exposed internal divisions and raised questions about the board’s process. Critics, including the author of an article on maricamicallef.com titled “The Coup That Failed,” argued that the board’s actions lacked procedural fairness and transparency. The article described the meeting as a “witch hunt” against Westen, with the survey presented without warning and no opportunity for him to address the accusations.[](https://maricamicallef.com/2025/07/leaked-recording-ex-employees-statements-give-a-clearer-picture-of-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-lifesitenews-vis-a-vis-john-henry-westen/)

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 Why Was Westen Reinstated?

The reinstatement of John-Henry Westen on July 18, 2025, was as abrupt as his removal, leaving many to wonder what prompted the board’s reversal. The official statement noted that Westen was restored as president and CEO “subject to administrative review and investigation,” suggesting that the decision was not a full endorsement but rather a temporary resolution. Several factors likely contributed to this outcome:

1. Procedural Irregularities: Westen’s email to the board on July 16, 2025, cited board president Dominic Ismert’s acknowledgment that the vote to remove him did not comply with LifeSiteNews’s bylaws. This legal challenge may have forced the board to reconsider its decision to avoid potential litigation or further embarrassment.[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2469-life-site-news-founder-s-tenure-comes-to-an-end)

2. Public Backlash: The announcement of Westen’s removal sparked significant outrage among LifeSiteNews’s conservative base, who viewed him as a courageous defender of traditional Catholic values. Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with support for Westen, with some accusing the board of bowing to progressive or careerist pressures. The article on maricamicallef.com credited the reinstatement to the vocal support of LifeSiteNews’s audience, stating, “You let your voices be heard, and it had an effect.”[](https://maricamicallef.com/2025/07/leaked-recording-ex-employees-statements-give-a-clearer-picture-of-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-lifesitenews-vis-a-vis-john-henry-westen/)

3. Strickland’s Influence: While Bishop Strickland’s role in the removal was contentious, his public defense of Westen may have swayed some board members or donors. His statement denying that Westen’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV was the reason for his removal could have been an attempt to quell speculation and maintain unity among LifeSiteNews’s supporters.[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/bishop-strickland-statement-on-john-henry-westen-and-the-defense-of-truth/)

4. Internal Divisions: The leaked audio revealed deep divisions within the board and staff, with some members advocating for a more moderate editorial stance and others aligning with Westen’s militant traditionalism. The reinstatement may reflect a compromise to avoid further fracturing the organization, especially given its reliance on donor support.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)[](https://maricamicallef.com/2025/07/leaked-recording-ex-employees-statements-give-a-clearer-picture-of-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-lifesitenews-vis-a-vis-john-henry-westen/)

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The Scandal at LifeSiteNews: Broader Implications

The events surrounding Westen’s removal and reinstatement have exposed significant challenges facing LifeSiteNews and the broader conservative Catholic media landscape. The scandal raises questions about leadership, editorial integrity, and the organization’s future direction.

 Management and Ethical Concerns

The allegations in the employee survey, as detailed by Patrick Fabian, are serious and, if substantiated, could damage LifeSiteNews’s credibility. Accusations of inurement, discrimination, and charity fraud suggest systemic issues that go beyond Westen’s leadership style. The board’s decision to reinstate him “subject to administrative review” indicates that these concerns are still under investigation, and the outcome could have long-term consequences for the organization’s governance.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

 Ideological Fault Lines

The sedevacantist controversy highlights the delicate balance LifeSiteNews must strike between its traditionalist base and the broader Catholic audience. While the outlet has built its reputation on uncompromising pro-life and pro-family reporting, the presence of sedevacantists on staff risks alienating donors and readers who view such views as schismatic. The tension between “militant” and “respectable” approaches to Catholic journalism is evident in the board’s apparent discomfort with Westen’s editorial direction.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)[](https://maricamicallef.com/2025/07/leaked-recording-ex-employees-statements-give-a-clearer-picture-of-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-lifesitenews-vis-a-vis-john-henry-westen/)

 Bishop Strickland’s Polarizing Role

Bishop Strickland’s involvement in the scandal underscores his status as a polarizing figure in the Catholic world. His removal by Pope Francis in 2023 for his outspoken criticism of progressive Church reforms has made him a hero to traditionalists but a liability to those seeking unity with Rome. His actions in the LifeSiteNews controversy—texting Westen, presenting a resignation letter, and threatening to disassociate—raise questions about his judgment and influence. While he publicly defended Westen, the leaked audio suggests he played a more complex role, potentially exacerbating the board’s divisions.[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)[](https://maricamicallef.com/2025/07/leaked-recording-ex-employees-statements-give-a-clearer-picture-of-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-lifesitenews-vis-a-vis-john-henry-westen/)[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/popes-removal-of-bishop-strickland-draws-huge-catholic-outrage-global-media-coverage/)

 LifeSiteNews’s Future

The scandal has exposed vulnerabilities in LifeSiteNews’s business model, which relies heavily on donor support. The 72% decline in readership and the loss of donors, as cited by Jalsevac, indicate that the organization faces an existential crisis. Westen’s reinstatement may stabilize the situation temporarily, but the ongoing administrative review and unresolved ideological tensions could hinder LifeSiteNews’s ability to regain its footing. The departure of key staff like Stephen Kokx and the public airing of internal disputes may further erode trust among readers and donors.[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2469-life-site-news-founder-s-tenure-comes-to-an-end)[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2469-life-site-reinstates-fired-editor-ceo-westen)

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Critical Reflections

The LifeSiteNews saga is emblematic of broader challenges within conservative Catholic media. The outlet’s uncompromising stance has been both its strength and its Achilles’ heel, attracting a loyal following while alienating those who prefer a less confrontational approach. The allegations of mismanagement and ethical lapses, if true, suggest a need for greater transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, the ideological rift over sedevacantism and criticism of the papacy reflects the ongoing struggle within traditionalist circles to navigate their relationship with the modern Church.

Bishop Strickland’s role in the controversy is particularly troubling. His actions, as revealed in the leaked audio, suggest a lack of impartiality and an attempt to exert undue influence over LifeSiteNews’s leadership. His public defense of Westen, while denying the role of papal criticism in the removal, appears disingenuous in light of the survey’s findings. This raises questions about whether Strickland’s involvement was driven by personal loyalty, ideological alignment, or a desire to maintain his own influence within the organization.

The reinstatement of Westen, while a victory for his supporters, does not resolve the underlying issues. The board’s decision to attach conditions to his return suggests ongoing scrutiny, and the lack of transparency about the survey and the audio continues to fuel speculation. For LifeSiteNews to move forward, it must address these issues head-on, whether through public accountability, structural reforms, or a clearer articulation of its editorial mission.

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Conclusion

The LifeSiteNews scandal of July 2025 is a complex and multifaceted drama that reveals the challenges of maintaining a traditionalist Catholic media outlet in a polarized Church and world. John-Henry Westen’s removal and reinstatement, driven by a controversial employee survey and exacerbated by Bishop Strickland’s leaked audio, highlight issues of leadership, ideology, and governance. The accusations of mismanagement, ethical lapses, and sedevacantism within the organization have raised serious questions about its future, while the public backlash and procedural irregularities underscore the power of grassroots support in shaping outcomes.

As LifeSiteNews navigates this turbulent period, it faces a critical juncture. Can it reconcile its militant traditionalism with the need for broader appeal? Will the administrative review address the serious allegations against Westen, or will it deepen internal divisions? And what role will figures like Bishop Strickland play in shaping the organization’s path forward? Only time will tell, but for now, the LifeSiteNews saga serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of ideological rigidity, opaque governance, and the challenges of maintaining trust in a fractured Catholic landscape.

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Sources:

- LifeSite reinstates fired editor, CEO Westen | The Catholic Register[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2469-life-site-news-founder-s-tenure-comes-to-an-end)

- Bishop Strickland: Statement on John-Henry Westen and the defense of truth | LifeSite[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/bishop-strickland-statement-on-john-henry-westen-and-the-defense-of-truth/)

- The Scarlett S: JH Westen’s undoing | akacatholic.com[](https://akacatholic.com/the-scarlett-s-jh-westens-undoing/)

- Leaked recording & ex-employees' statements give a clearer picture of what happened behind the scenes of LifeSiteNews vis-a'-vis John-Henry Westen | maricamicallef.com[](https://maricamicallef.com/2025/07/leaked-recording-ex-employees-statements-give-a-clearer-picture-of-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-lifesitenews-vis-a-vis-john-henry-westen/)

- Pope’s removal of Bishop Strickland draws huge Catholic outrage, global media coverage | LifeSite[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/popes-removal-of-bishop-strickland-draws-huge-catholic-outrage-global-media-coverage/)

- Conservative Ex-Bishop Strickland, Who Francis Removed, Reacts to New Pope | Newsweek[](https://www.newsweek.com/conservative-ex-bishop-strickland-who-francis-removed-reacts-new-pope-2069825)