Despite a Donald Trump endorsement on Monday for Republican Party members of the House to re-elect Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as House Speaker, several GOP lawmakers are currently unpersuaded setting up yet another embarrassing scenario for the House majority party.
Trump's very long Truth Social post on Monday touched upon a multitude of topics before getting to the end where he wrote, “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!!!” then adding, "LETS NOT BLOW THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN."
That "great opportunity" may have to be put on hold as several House Republicans have made it clear they either won't vote for the embattled Johnson, or will demand concessions from him before considering backing him.
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According to a report from Rolling Stone, that could cast a cloud over the second coming of president-elect Donald Trump.
Following Trump's Monday post, Rep. Tom Massie (R-KY) responded on X by writing, "I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan."
That led Rolling Stone's Naomi LaChance to write, "it’s likely that Johnson can only afford to lose one vote from Republicans," before adding, "The situation suggests there could be more embarrassing disarray among House Republicans just as Trump gets ready to take back power. Johnson, of course, only became speaker last year because a handful of Republicans decided to oust Kevin McCarthy — and Democrats joined them."
According to one House Republican who spoke with Axios, "Not sure if they deny the first vote or he will be forced to negotiate prior. I think there are 4-8 ready to hold out at least until the vote."
Rolling Stone's LaChance added, "Some lawmakers are unhappy with the way things are shaping up," with moderate Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) complaining, "To oppose Johnson now weakens the GOP and strengthens Hakeem Jeffries. It also puts at risk the Electoral College Certification scheduled for 6 Jan. These guys serve as a ‘fifth column’ for the Dems.”
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