Allies of Speaker Mike Johnson are urging President-elect Trump to publicly affirm his support for Johnson to avoid a drawn-out battle that could delay the certification of the election results. Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Florida expressed concern about the potential impact of a protracted fight on the ability to elect a Speaker, be sworn in, and certify the election. Other allies, such as Rep. Pat Fallon of Texas, are calling on Trump to reinforce his support for Johnson, noting that a statement from the President could be immensely helpful in securing Johnson’s position.
House lawmakers are set to return to Washington, D.C., for a vote to elect the Speaker on Jan. 3, followed by a certification of the election results on Jan. 6. Johnson is facing challenges from within the Republican Party, with critics expressing dissatisfaction with his handling of government funding. His predecessor faced multiple public defeats before securing the gavel, and Johnson himself had to navigate a three-week battle before assuming the role. Some members of the GOP are warning against delays, stressing the need to certify the election in time for President Trump to begin his second term.
A recent bill passed by Congress extended the federal funding deadline to March 14 and replenished the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund, but it faced opposition from some GOP hardliners who objected to unrelated policy riders. Johnson’s attempt to pair action on the debt limit with the funding bill also failed, drawing further criticism. While some Republicans opposed the bill on principle, others are still undecided on their support for Johnson. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has already announced that he will not vote for Johnson, and key supporters such as Rep. Andy Harris and Rep. Michael Cloud have expressed wavering support.
Reports suggest that Trump is displeased with Johnson’s handling of the funding bill, but the President has yet to comment publicly on the matter. Trump’s allies, including Sen. Ted Cruz, have come to Johnson’s defense, highlighting Johnson’s conservative credentials. However, the final decision on Johnson’s fate may rest with Trump, according to some Republicans, who believe that Trump’s support will heavily influence the outcome. Johnson is heading into the Speaker vote with a narrow margin of three GOP votes, making Democratic support unlikely.
As the Jan. 3 Speaker vote approaches, the fate of Johnson hangs in the balance, with allies and opponents alike closely monitoring Trump’s stance on the matter. The potential for a delay in certifying the election results underscores the urgency of resolving the Speaker issue promptly to ensure a smooth transition to President Trump’s second term. With tensions rising within the GOP over Johnson’s leadership, the role of Trump in determining the outcome of the Speaker election remains a crucial factor. The coming days will determine whether Johnson retains his position or faces a challenge from within his own party.
