WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The President-elect is endorsing House Speaker Mike Johnson as he prepares to defend his leadership of House Republicans.
In a social media post on Monday, Trump described Johnson as “a good, hard-working, religious man,” predicting he “will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN.”
“Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement,” Trump declared.
Johnson’s position faced challenges following a dispute over a federal funding bill that risked a pre-Christmas government shutdown. Despite reaching a deal, the conflict highlighted limitations in Johnson’s influence and revealed divisions within his party.
The Speaker’s initial two funding proposals failed after Trump, who won’t be sworn in until January 20th, intervened, advocating for suspending or eliminating the debt ceiling.
Johnson, who has cultivated a close relationship with Trump, convinced the President-elect that he would fulfill his demands regarding the debt limit increase in 2025.
Trump remained silent on Johnson’s prospects for the January 3rd leadership vote for over a week, even as some Republicans indicated potential opposition.
Rep. [Name Redacted], a Republican who opposed Johnson’s initial speakership bid, stated in a Monday statement that “our next speaker must show courageous leadership to get our country back on track.”
The Indiana representative outlined several demands for the next GOP leader, including significant spending reforms.
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Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri in Washington contributed to this report.
