US Home Speaker Mike Johnson will get assist from Donald Trump

Unlock the White Home Watch publication at no cost

Your information to what the 2024 US elections imply for Washington and the world

Donald Trump threw his assist behind Mike Johnson for Home speaker, giving the embattled lawmaker essential assist amid Republican infighting forward of Friday’s vote.

The president-elect stated Monday Johnson had his “full and utter approval,” calling him a “good, hard-working, spiritual man” who would “do the best factor” in a publish on his social media platform Reality Social.

The approval of Asset comes at a pivotal time for Johnson, as Republicans put together to vote on who will lead the decrease home of Congress on January 3.

Johnson’s destiny modified after some lawmakers voiced opposition, together with Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Maryland’s Andy Harris, who leads the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus, and Pennsylvania’s Scott Perry have additionally wavered of their assist.

The Republicans’ slim majority of 220 seats, in comparison with 215 managed by Democrats, shall be decreased to 219 as soon as the brand new Congress convenes, because of the resignation of Matt Gaetz. The Florida lawmaker stated he would vacate his Home seat after being chosen by Trump to grow to be legal professional basic, however later withdrew his candidacy for the publish.

The slim Republican majority means Johnson can in all probability solely afford to lose one vote if he needs to retain his management publish.

It’s not the primary time Republicans have been divided in latest weeks, with a showdown over a deal to keep away from a authorities shutdown highlighting the troublesome balancing act Johnson will face if re-elected. The struggle additionally solid doubt on whether or not Johnson had sufficient assist to as soon as once more decide up the management gavel within the Home.

Johnson’s first try at a bipartisan invoice to maintain the federal government funded was rejected by Trump and his allies, who criticized him for including billions of {dollars} in further spending and different unrelated measures . He then did not go a plan backed by the president-elect that might have raised the debt ceiling whereas protecting the federal government funded, after 38 Republicans joined Democrats in voting towards it. A deal was lastly reached simply earlier than the deadline, however with out the debt ceiling provision that Trump had initially demanded.

Trump on Monday implored Republicans to “not waste this nice alternative that we have been given,” citing the landslide election victory that not solely introduced Trump again for a second time period within the White Home but in addition gave Republicans management of each homes of Congress. .

Talking to ABC Information on Sunday, Rep. Mike Lawler of New York stated eradicating Mike Johnson can be “silly.”

“The actual fact is these individuals are taking part in with hearth,” he stated. “And in the event that they suppose they’re by some means going to have a extra conservative president, they’re kidding themselves.”

Johnson stated in an article on X that he was “honored and humbled” by Trump’s assist. “Collectively, we are going to shortly notice your America First agenda and usher in America’s new golden age.” »