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House Speaker Mike Johnson’s position hangs in the balance as former President Donald Trump’s dissatisfaction with his leadership grows increasingly apparent.
The crucial test for Johnson’s speakership looms on January 3, when House Republicans will decide whether to extend his tenure or seek new leadership.
🚨BREAKING: Donald Trump is reportedly having second thoughts about Mike Johnson continuing on as Speaker of the House.
Let’s show Trump what we think…
If you think Mike Johnson should be removed as Speaker, leave a “👍🏼” in the comments! pic.twitter.com/yQ39O44fqC
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) December 23, 2024
The rift between Johnson and Trump stems from the Speaker’s recent attempt to push through an extensive continuing resolution that included significant spending at levels set by Democrats. Trump’s opposition to this measure led to its failure, with the former president demanding a more modest bill including a debt ceiling extension. In response, Johnson passed legislation maintaining government operations only until March 14, without addressing the debt ceiling issue.
During my time in Palm Beach speaking with Trump’s inner circle and subsequent conversations with his confidants, it became evident that Trump’s frustration extends beyond the funding agreement to Johnson himself. The former president feels particularly aggrieved about the absence of the debt ceiling increase he requested and was caught off guard by Johnson’s initial agreement with Democrats. The disorganized nature of the process has raised concerns about Johnson’s ability to manage an even smaller majority in the coming year.
Sources at Mar-a-Lago indicate Trump is currently evaluating the situation, contemplating whether to support or oppose another speaker’s removal.
“I don’t see how Johnson survives,” a Trump insider told Politico about the Speaker’s precarious position.
Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) suggested that Johnson’s best chance for survival might require seeking Democratic support, a move that could prove politically costly.
🚨 CONGRESSMAN CORY MILLS: We should've just funded the bare necessities for the next 30 days until President Trump gets in. There was a deal struck with Hakeem Jeffries by Mike Johnson to cram everything into one bill instead of individual. We have a weakness in leadership.
H/t… pic.twitter.com/hLChBGNNjw
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 22, 2024
With a razor-thin margin of support, Johnson can’t afford to lose more than one Republican vote without Democratic backing. According to a senior House GOP staffer speaking to Breitbart News’s Matt Boyle, up to 25 House Republicans might oppose Johnson’s speakership.
Should Johnson secure his position through Democratic votes, it would likely necessitate a power-sharing arrangement with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, requiring concessions to the Democratic leadership. Such an arrangement could clash with Trump’s mandate following his decisive election victory.
Johnson now faces an impossible choice: either maintain his speakership through Democratic support, potentially alienating Trump and Republican voters, or step aside from the leadership position altogether.
