President-elect Donald Trump threw his support behind Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for a second term in the top House leadership position, hoping to quash opposition as a growing number of Republican lawmakers consider alternative candidates.
In a lengthy statement posted to Truth Social on Monday, Trump urged Republicans not to “blow this great opportunity” to advance the party’s agenda after winning both chambers of Congress and the White House, arguing Johnson is a strong leader to achieve that in the House. Trump’s endorsement comes amid a growing number of House Republicans expressing dissatisfaction with Johnson over his handling of the government spending deal earlier this month, with some even threatening to vote against his speakership bid on Jan. 3.
“Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN,” Trump wrote. “Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!”
Before lawmakers can be sworn in on Friday, they must vote to elect a speaker to preside over the chamber. On that day, Republicans will have a 219-215 majority, meaning Johnson can only afford to lose one party member’s support before it tanks his bid altogether.
