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President-elect Donald Trump has fully endorsed Speaker Mike Johnson, urging House Republicans to support Johnson’s bid to retain his role for the 119th Congress.
In a post on TRUTH Social, Trump called Johnson “a good, hardworking, religious man” and encouraged the GOP to unite and capitalize on what he described as a critical opportunity to advance their agenda.
Trump’s endorsement arrives at a crucial moment, as Johnson confronts increasing challenges from his own party. Given the narrow Republican majority in the House, Johnson can afford to lose no more than one GOP vote in the upcoming Speaker election.
Internal divisions have already begun to surface, with Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky openly opposing Johnson and other hardline conservatives withholding their support.
Trump’s public backing is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of Friday’s vote.
In his post, Trump did not shy away from his characteristic bravado, celebrating his 2024 presidential election victory as a “magnificent and historic” triumph.
He detailed wins in seven swing states, decisive 312 Electoral College votes, and a popular vote margin of millions, all while accusing Democrats of voter fraud and wasteful spending.
Trump also took aim at prominent figures like Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey, alleging they received exorbitant sums for endorsements during what he called the Democrats’ failed campaign.
Johnson’s relationship with Trump has not been without tension.
Disagreements over the end-of-year funding package and the debt ceiling have created friction between the two. Johnson’s inability to fulfill Trump’s last-minute demand to raise the debt ceiling as part of a short-term funding bill disappointed the president-elect.
However, House Republicans struck a compromise that paired a $1.5 trillion debt limit increase with $2.5 trillion in spending cuts. Trump has continued to push for a more aggressive stance, insisting that Democrats should be forced to vote on the debt ceiling issue before the transition of power.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s endorsement signals a willingness to move past recent disagreements and focus on shared goals. Johnson, in turn, expressed his gratitude for Trump’s support, calling it an honor and pledging to deliver on the “America First” agenda.
In a post on the social platform X, Johnson committed to ushering in what he described as a “new golden age of America,” highlighting the urgency of addressing the demands of the American people.
Both Johnson and Trump are facing significant challenges. The GOP’s ability to consolidate leadership in the House could determine the party’s effectiveness in advancing its legislative priorities.
Trump’s endorsement demonstrates his influence within the Republican Party and his determination to maintain momentum heading into his presidency.
Trump’s message to Republicans was both a rallying cry and a warning. He called on his party to unify and take decisive action, insisting that the opportunity before them should not be wasted.
With Friday’s vote looming, the outcome will reveal whether Trump’s support can galvanize the party and secure Johnson’s leadership in a pivotal moment for the GOP.