House Speaker Mike Johnson has secured the Republican nomination to keep his position, but his path forward is anything but smooth. Despite President-elect Donald Trump’s full endorsement, Johnson faces growing resistance from hard-right conservatives within his own party. A full House vote in January will determine if he can hold onto the speaker’s gavel.
Trump, visiting Washington for the first time since his 2024 election victory, threw his support behind Johnson, calling him the “quarterback” of the new Republican government. Johnson, in return, praised Trump as the “comeback king.” Together, they are crafting an aggressive 100-day agenda aimed at advancing Trump’s second-term priorities.
Conservatives Push Back Despite Trump’s Backing
While Johnson currently has no serious challenger, members of the Freedom Caucus are withholding their votes to extract promises on their priorities. This tactic has caused tension, with some lawmakers frustrated by the demands of their far-right colleagues.
The pushback reflects a continuation of the chaos that defined Johnson’s first year as speaker, where his slim majority often left him scrambling to manage his party’s internal divisions. Johnson himself acknowledged the challenges, but with Trump in the White House, he hopes for smoother sailing.
Trump Taps House Members for Administration Roles
Complicating matters further, Trump announced new appointments from the House GOP, including Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general. The move has reduced Johnson’s already narrow majority and added to the uncertainty surrounding his leadership. Rep. Mike Simpson described the moment as a shock to the room, saying, “Everybody was saying, Oh my God.”
Despite the internal drama, some Republicans see Trump’s leadership as a unifying force. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who once tried to oust Johnson, stated, “You know who he’s going to have to answer to? Donald Trump.”
A Narrow Majority and Big Challenges Ahead
Even with Trump’s backing, Johnson faces significant challenges. The House remains narrowly divided, and Democrats are unlikely to lend the bipartisan support they occasionally provided during his first year. As Johnson works on the budget process and other legislative priorities, conservatives are pressing for deeper budget cuts and policy concessions.
Rep. Chip Roy hinted at potential friction, saying, “We’ll see what happens,” as conservatives weigh their options. Meanwhile, moderates like Simpson are growing frustrated with the constant demands, calling the situation “nonsense.”
Democrats Prepare to Push Back
While Democrats extended a hand of bipartisanship during Johnson’s first term, they’re preparing to resist Trump’s second-term agenda. Rep. Pete Aguilar warned that Democrats would fight efforts to strip Americans of health care and other GOP priorities. However, Aguilar also expressed a willingness to collaborate when possible.
GOP Leadership Secures Roles for 2025
Alongside Johnson, the GOP leadership team has been solidified for the new Congress. Majority Leader Steve Scalise and GOP Whip Tom Emmer were reelected without contest. The most competitive race was for the House GOP conference chair, which Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan won after Rep. Elise Stefanik was tapped by Trump to serve as ambassador to the United Nations.
What’s Next for Johnson and the GOP?
As January approaches, Johnson must navigate a divided party and prepare for a critical full House vote. Will Trump’s influence be enough to keep Johnson in power, or will internal dissent lead to another round of chaos? All eyes are on Washington as Republicans gear up for a turbulent start to the new Congress.