GOP Speaker Retains Role After Trump Rallies Key Support
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) secured his role as House speaker after a tense vote, aided by President Donald Trump’s ability to unify key Republican lawmakers.
Initially, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) led the charge against Johnson, voicing strong opposition and refusing to back his leadership. Massie publicly declared that no level of persuasion or compromise could shift his stance, dismissing the idea of supporting Johnson as unthinkable.
It’s an incredible honor to continue serving our great country as Speaker of the House.
Now, let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/22YITXHrvh
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 3, 2025
Speaker Mike Johnson retains the gavel by a razor-thin margin. The victory occurred after President-elect Trump doubled down on his support for Johnson. ABC's @Jayobtv had more. https://t.co/QgAX7wRgUQ pic.twitter.com/nr8XkYrzmZ
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 4, 2025
In contrast, Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Keith Self (R-TX) began as holdouts but eventually reversed their positions. Both lawmakers had initially raised concerns about Johnson’s ability to advance fiscal conservatism and prioritize Trump’s legislative goals.
🚨BREAKING: President Trump's endorsement just WON Mike Johnson the Speaker of the House position for a SECOND TIME! pic.twitter.com/9Q3JMa9mo9
— 梅雪舟 (@tanyuchong0521) January 4, 2025
Speaker Mike Johnson has officially closed the 118th Congress.
This is the unofficial beginning of the Trump era. pic.twitter.com/jVnmvWbsPv
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 3, 2025
Trump gets Johnson across the finish line but dramatic speaker vote signals challenges ahead https://t.co/5E54rbfp6D via @Yahoo
— Monika Preisner🍉💙💛BlueCrew 2024 #RESIST (@MonikaPreisner) January 4, 2025
Trump personally intervened, reaching out to Norman and Self alongside Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC). His efforts emphasized the need for unity to ensure the GOP could effectively challenge the Senate on key issues, including the upcoming budget reconciliation process.
I conducted this poll just one week ago. Nearly everyone knows from his 18 month history of betraying Republicans and teaming with Democrats that Johnson isn’t the right guy. If he fails on the first round today, a better Speaker can be elected in a few hours or over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/7zadRet0P3
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 3, 2025
https://twitter.com/AdMelioraUSA/status/1875539512740474988
🚨BREAKING: Speaker Mike Johnson declares securing the border and deporting illegal immigrants as Congress’s top priority.
pic.twitter.com/00XZDCLd6M— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 3, 2025
During the first round of voting, both Norman and Self returned to the chamber to officially change their votes to “Aye,” securing Johnson’s victory. Self later explained that assurances from Johnson about fiscal discipline and advancing Trump’s agenda were pivotal in his decision.
🚨BREAKING🚨
Mike Johnson's First Act as U.S. House Speaker in the 119th Congress:
Adopt Nancy Pelosi's House Rule for Motion to Vacate
And Speaker Johnson took Nancy's rule and made it WORSE!
Thomas Jefferson's Rule: ONE member to file.
Nancy Pelosi's Rule: FIVE members… pic.twitter.com/89LK3Xgmwx
— National File (@NationalFile) January 3, 2025
🚨BREAKING🚨 These three House Republicans did not vote for Mike Johnson, causing him to lose the first Speaker vote. pic.twitter.com/Lwiu9a7jI6
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 3, 2025
Massie has also gone against his own party by opposing the re-election of Speaker Johnson (R-LA), who has been endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump. Johnson played a decisive role in passing the $95 billion foreign military aid that President Biden signed into law last year.
— Herb 1946 (@Fossil_Herb) January 4, 2025
Reconciliation, a key legislative tool, allows the Senate to pass budget-related measures with a simple majority, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold. It is expected to play a major role in shaping Republican priorities.
I'm a "Hell No" on re-electing Mike Johnson to serve as Speaker of the House. I joined @FmrRepMattGaetz on @OANN to discuss my opposition.
President Trump's agenda needs to become law. Speaker Johnson has already demonstrated he is not the man who can get that done. pic.twitter.com/JfVoCSNqDy
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 3, 2025