Mike Johnson’s path to speakership unclear even with Trump endorsement

The article discusses ⁤the uncertain path of Mike Johnson, a House Speaker from‌ Louisiana, despite receiving⁢ an endorsement from​ former President Donald Trump as Congress prepares‌ to convene. Trump’s support comes just ​days before the elections for the ⁤new ⁢Congressional ⁤leader, yet many of johnson’s strongest critics ​remain unconvinced. The situation highlights potential ‍divisions within the party and raises questions about Johnson’s ability to secure the position amidst opposition.


Mike Johnson’s path to speakership remains unclear even with Trump endorsement

President-elect Donald Trump offered House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) a lifeline on Monday by endorsing his speakership just days before the 119th Congress is set to convene and elect its next leader. However, it may not be enough for some of Johnson’s staunchest opponents.

Before lawmakers can be sworn in Friday, they must vote to elect a speaker to preside over the chamber. On that day, Republicans will have a 219-215 majority, meaning Johnson can only afford to lose one party member’s support if all members are present and vote. Any more than that, and his speakership is in jeopardy.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) was the first House Republican to come out against Johnson publicly, telling reporters earlier this month he would vote for someone else, although he did not say who. Massie has remained opposed to Johnson even after Trump endorsed him, accusing the speaker of working with Democrats to advance priorities opposed by most Republicans.

“I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan,” Massie said in a post on X. “We’ve seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget.”

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) has also remained undecided about whether to support Johnson even after Trump’s endorsement.

“I haven’t publicly or privately committed yet,” Biggs told Fox News on Monday. “I do want to speak with the speaker just to see what his plans are because there are some issues that I think need to be worked out.”

Johnson has been making phone calls and reaching out to lawmakers who have expressed skepticism about his speakership bid in an effort to firm up support before Friday, a source familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner.

Other lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction with Johnson over his handling of government spending negotiations in the final week of the 118th Congress, saying they are undecided on who they will back during the Friday elections.

Among those is House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD), who told Fox News Business last week that Republicans “should consider what’s the best path forward” to advance Trump’s agenda.

Meanwhile, Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) has also said she is undecided and released a list of demands she wants to see from Johnson before she can commit her support. Included on that list are “temporary structures” for reconciliation offset policies, authorizations, and spending audits.

A dragged-out speaker’s race isn’t necessarily new for the GOP majority. When former Rep. Kevin McCarthy tried his hand at becoming speaker in January 2023, it took four days and 15 ballots to secure the speakership. And even that came at a cost, as McCarthy was forced to make a number of side deals with members to secure their support — with one of those agreements eventually leading to his ouster.

But Trump’s endorsement could be enough for Johnson to secure the gavel for a second term. Regardless, it will serve as a test of the president-elect’s grasp on the Republican Party.



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