Republicans Fear Speaker Battle Means They 'Can't Certify the Election'
NewsweekDEC 22 2024
Trump Backs Johnson for House Speaker
Above: House Speaker Mike Johnson and Pres.-elect Donald Trump at a House Republicans Conference in November 2024. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres.-elect Donald Trump on Monday endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for speakership reelection ahead of a leadership vote scheduled for Friday.
Trump wrote that the "American people need IMMEDIATE relief" from the "destructive" policies of the Biden administration. He called Johnson "a good, hard working, religious man" who "will do the right thing" before giving Johnson his "Complete & Total" endorsement.
With Republicans holding a slim majority, Johnson can lose only one Republican vote while still maintaining the speakership. This vote holds particular significance, as it precedes the Jan. 6 certification of Trump's electoral victory, which requires a seated speaker to proceed.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump knows that early in his presidency it's best to avoid any in-fighting in order to accomplish his administration's goals. With such a slim majority, Johnson has done solid work despite making some deals that have frustrated conservatives. Moving forward, Trump knows he can always renege on his support of Johnson if the Speaker veers off the proper path.
Democratic narrative
If we've learned anything, it's that one endorsement — even from the president-elect — isn't going to prevent Republicans from causing chaos. Johnson's majority is too thin for him to retain the speakership easily when there are many in his caucus making unrealistic demands and refusing to shift to the center in order to get things done for the American people.
Public Figures
Political split
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