Trump endorses Mike Johnson to remain as US House speaker

Johnson, a Louisiana lawmaker, can afford to lose only two votes from his own party in order to keep the Speaker’s gavel.

“Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!” Trump wrote in a social media post on Monday.

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has already indicated he will vote no, despite the president-elect’s backing of Johnson.

Several other Republicans appear to be undecided.

Trump’s endorsement of Johnson may be the latest test of his influence over congressional Republicans, and if it will be enough to sway those who are undecided.

Johnson said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, that he is “honored and humbled” to receive Trump’s support.

“Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America,” he said.

Republicans’ frustration with Johnson stems from his handling of a recent government funding agreement.

Johnson reached the bipartisan deal with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown ahead of a 20 December deadline. Many Republicans did not support some of the Democrat-backed provisions included in the agreement.

Trump derailed Johnson’s initial deal with the help of tech billionaire Elon Musk – who argued it contained wasteful spending – and called for an agreement that would also increase the federal borrowing limit.

The House of Representatives voted against the Trump-backed spending bill, with dozens of Republicans defying him by joining Democrats to reject the revised funding measure.

A final version of the bill, which eventually passed in both the House and the Senate, did not include a provision on the debt ceiling, raising the question as to whether Johnson’s failure to meet Trump’s demands had angered the incoming president, who will take office in late January.

The final bill removed measures sought by Democrats in the first version, including the first pay rise for lawmakers since 2009, healthcare reforms, and provisions aimed at preventing hotels and live event venues from deceptive advertising.

House Speakers have faced rebellions before.

Lawmakers ousted former Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, when hardliners in his party voted against him after he struck a deal with Senate Democrats to fund government agencies.