President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to remain Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, despite backlash within the Republican Party over Johnson’s recent actions as leader.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Monday, Trump urged his supporters to back Johnson, describing him as a “good, hardworking, religious man” and pledging his “Complete & Total Endorsement.” Trump’s message comes as Republicans prepare for a leadership vote when the new Congress convenes on January 3.
“Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hardworking, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!” Trump wrote.
However, Johnson faces challenges to maintaining his position. His passage of a bipartisan budget bill earlier this month, aimed at averting a government shutdown, exposed deep divisions within the Republican caucus. Some members criticized the deal as a concession to Democrats, fueling speculation of resistance to Johnson’s leadership.
Johnson, a Louisiana congressman known for his socially conservative policies, will need near-unanimous support from his party to retain the speaker’s gavel. The endorsement from Trump, a key figure among the GOP base, is seen as an effort to solidify support ahead of the contentious vote.
