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Mike Johnson cuts deal with rebel GOP members seeking to take on Trump's tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson as he hosts a dinner with Republican members of the U.S. Congress in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 22, 2025. Earlier in the day, Johnson said he would send lawmakers home a day early for a five-week summer recess to avoid a political fight over files on disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. REUTERS/Kent Nishimur
Sarah K. Burris
September 16, 2025

Speaker Mike Johnson cut a deal with House Republicans to allow a conversation about stopping President Donald Trump's tariffs, which he previously refused to do, reported Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman on X.

Johnson was forced to scramble after trying to change the rules to force a vote related to Trump's crime crackdown in Washington, D.C. The bill sets up new rules allowing Congress to craft new crime laws for the nation's capital, which will mandate that any child over 14 be considered an "adult" if they commit a crime.

Six Republicans were against it once the time expired for the bill, but Johnson held the vote open as he negotiated. Lawmakers took issue with rules that would block them from dealing with Trump's tariffs, which have hurt many constituents and businesses in their districts.

After some arm-twisting, Johnson swayed three Republicans, promising he'd discuss it in April. The concession proved enough for the GOP lawmakers, said Sherman.

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