Trump is betting big on Speaker Johnson.
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to step in and directly engage with Republican lawmakers to ensure that Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., remains Speaker of the House. Trump made it clear that if necessary, he will reach out to members of the GOP conference to persuade them to support Johnson during the critical vote scheduled for Friday.
With Republicans set to hold a narrow majority of 219-215, Johnson will need at least 218 votes to maintain his position as Speaker. However, his leadership is facing resistance from some factions within the party. Notably, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has announced he will not vote for Johnson, and several other conservative members are undecided. These lawmakers are particularly frustrated with Johnson’s decision to negotiate a spending package with Democrats in a bid to avert a government shutdown, a move they view as a failure.
Despite the opposition, Trump remains confident in Johnson’s ability to lead the House. Speaking at Mar-a-Lago’s New Year’s Eve gala, Trump called Johnson a “good man” and praised his character, emphasizing that the Speaker’s qualities are essential for navigating the challenges ahead. Trump stated, “He’s the one that can win right now,” underscoring the importance of unity within the party.
In addition to his support for Johnson, Trump is also focused on his Cabinet nominees, including Pete Hegseth for defense, Tulsi Gabbard for intelligence, and Kash Patel for the FBI. He reported that their confirmation process is progressing smoothly, with positive feedback from senators.
As his inauguration draws near, Trump conveyed a sense of optimism about the future. “A lot of progress has been made over the last five weeks,” he remarked. “There’s a lot of excitement and a sense of hope, not just in America but around the world.”
Trump concluded his remarks with a heartfelt New Year’s message: “I just want everybody to be happy, healthy, and well.” His focus on national unity and strong leadership sets the tone for the challenges and opportunities ahead.