Trump Endorses Mike Johnson for Speaker, but GOP Lawmakers Remain Unconvinced: ‘Let’s Not Blow This Great Opportunity’
(AP)
Despite President Donald Trump’s strong endorsement of Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) for re-election as House Speaker on Monday, several Republican lawmakers remain unconvinced, setting up another potential setback for the House majority party.
Trump’s lengthy post on Truth Social covered a range of topics, but it culminated with a full-throated endorsement of Johnson. “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, adding, “LETS NOT BLOW THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN.”
However, the so-called “great opportunity” Trump referred to may face a challenge, as a number of House Republicans have made it clear that they either won’t vote for Johnson or will demand significant concessions before considering supporting him.
According to Rolling Stone, this political tension could add to the already chaotic dynamics as Trump prepares for a potential return to power. After Trump’s endorsement, Rep. Tom Massie (R-KY) took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his skepticism, writing, “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.”
Rolling Stone’s Naomi LaChance observed that “it’s likely that Johnson can only afford to lose one vote from Republicans,” and warned that “the situation suggests there could be more embarrassing disarray among House Republicans just as Trump gets ready to take back power.”
One unnamed Republican lawmaker told Axios, “Not sure if they deny the first vote or he will be forced to negotiate prior. I think there are 4-8 ready to hold out at least until the vote.”
Further complicating the situation, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) voiced his concern about opposition to Johnson, noting, “To oppose Johnson now weakens the GOP and strengthens Hakeem Jeffries. It also puts at risk the Electoral College Certification scheduled for 6 Jan. These guys serve as a ‘fifth column’ for the Dems.”
As the drama unfolds, the House majority party faces continued division over its leadership, with Trump’s endorsement failing to unify all factions within the GOP.
