After weeks of speculation and silence, President-elect Trump has thrown his weight behind House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), delivering a decisive endorsement that could stabilize Johnson’s shaky hold on leadership. In a statement posted to Truth Social on Monday, Trump declared his “Complete & Total Endorsement” for Johnson, praising him as a “good, hard working, religious man” capable of advancing the GOP’s agenda.
This endorsement comes at a critical moment for Johnson, who has faced mounting skepticism within his party following the contentious passage of a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown. That bill, which included funding provisions that conservatives strongly opposed, was defeated in a separate vote by 38 House Republicans, casting doubt on Johnson’s ability to unify the GOP’s narrow majority.
Trump’s statement left little room for ambiguity. “We are the Party of COMMON SENSE,” he wrote, referencing his own landslide victory in the 2024 presidential election. “LETS NOT BLOW THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN. 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!!!”
🚨 🚨 🚨 BREAKING: Trump endorses Mike Johnson for Speaker of the House pic.twitter.com/RqNQ1dpOA3
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) December 30, 2024
The timing of Trump’s endorsement is pivotal. With the GOP speakership election looming and a slim Republican majority in the next Congress, Johnson’s future has been the subject of intense debate. Key GOP figures like Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Andy Harris (R-MD) have publicly questioned his leadership, while former House Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry (R-PA) hinted that Trump’s endorsement could be the deciding factor. “Whoever the president backs is likely to be the speaker,” Perry told Fox News.
Johnson’s speakership began in October 2023 after a chaotic battle to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted in a historic no-confidence vote. Johnson, an unexpected choice, promised to champion fiscal responsibility and social conservatism while uniting a fractured caucus. However, recent challenges have tested his ability to deliver on those promises, with some conservatives calling his leadership into question.
Trump’s endorsement could provide the boost Johnson needs to fend off challengers and maintain control of the House. As Trump prepares to reenter the White House in January, his alignment with Johnson signals a push for GOP unity as they gear up to implement their shared priorities. For now, Trump’s seal of approval might be enough to keep Johnson in the gavel seat.
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