President-elect Donald Trump has officially endorsed embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), offering a strong boost to his leadership as the House faces a key vote on January 3, 2025.
“Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard-working, religious man,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Dec. 30. “He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!”
This endorsement provides crucial support for Johnson, especially given the internal Republican divisions and growing concerns about his handling of critical issues, including the government funding package that failed to gain consensus among Republicans. With just a narrow majority, the vote in the new Congress could be a precarious one for Johnson.
Some Republicans, like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), have already made it clear they won’t back Johnson, citing concerns over his economic policies. Other members, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), have also clashed with the speaker, adding to the pressure on Johnson. The House Freedom Caucus, including Reps. Andy Harris (R-Md.) and Scott Perry (R-Pa.), has voiced reservations.
Despite this, Johnson has garnered support from others, including Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who called any attempt to unseat him “stupid.” Lawler placed blame for the current leadership crisis on the earlier removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and emphasized that forcing out Johnson would only worsen the situation.
Though Johnson faces opposition from a small group of Republicans, he can afford just one defection, meaning Massie’s dissenting vote might be the only one he has to manage. With Democrats already backing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for speaker, the GOP’s unity is critical.
Trump’s earlier silence had sparked speculation about Johnson’s future, but his recent endorsement indicates that the former president is eager to avoid another prolonged battle like the one McCarthy faced. By rallying behind Johnson, Trump hopes to ensure that Republicans can swiftly move forward with the legislative agenda he has championed.
“I strongly encourage Donald Trump to get on the phone with those five or six members who won’t commit to voting for Mike Johnson,” Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) urged in a Dec. 29 Fox Business appearance. “All this is going to do is delay us.”
Johnson has expressed his gratitude for Trump’s support, vowing to work with him to deliver on the America First agenda and usher in a new era of prosperity for the country. If Johnson overcomes the challenges within his own party, he is expected to be reelected as Speaker on the first day of the 119th Congress, setting the stage for the next chapter in Washington’s political landscape.
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