President Donald Trump played a crucial role in securing Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) re-election by persuading two Republican lawmakers to change their votes during a heated leadership decision.
Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Keith Self (R-TX) initially opposed Johnson, raising concerns about fiscal discipline and his ability to champion conservative policies. Their votes against Johnson left his leadership uncertain, with the GOP facing internal divisions.
It’s an incredible honor to continue serving our great country as Speaker of the House.
Now, let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/22YITXHrvh
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 3, 2025
Speaker Mike Johnson retains the gavel by a razor-thin margin. The victory occurred after President-elect Trump doubled down on his support for Johnson. ABC's @Jayobtv had more. https://t.co/QgAX7wRgUQ pic.twitter.com/nr8XkYrzmZ
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 4, 2025
Trump personally intervened, reaching out to Norman and Self to emphasize the stakes for advancing his legislative priorities. Alongside efforts by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Trump stressed the importance of unity in navigating upcoming battles with Senate Democrats.
🚨BREAKING: President Trump's endorsement just WON Mike Johnson the Speaker of the House position for a SECOND TIME! pic.twitter.com/9Q3JMa9mo9
— 梅雪舟 (@tanyuchong0521) January 4, 2025
Speaker Mike Johnson has officially closed the 118th Congress.
This is the unofficial beginning of the Trump era. pic.twitter.com/jVnmvWbsPv
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 3, 2025
Trump gets Johnson across the finish line but dramatic speaker vote signals challenges ahead https://t.co/5E54rbfp6D via @Yahoo
— Monika Preisner🍉💙💛BlueCrew 2024 #RESIST (@MonikaPreisner) January 4, 2025
While Norman and Self reversed course, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) remained firm in his opposition. Massie dismissed any possibility of compromise, stating in a public interview that his vote was unmovable. His defiance underscored ongoing tensions within the party.
I conducted this poll just one week ago. Nearly everyone knows from his 18 month history of betraying Republicans and teaming with Democrats that Johnson isn’t the right guy. If he fails on the first round today, a better Speaker can be elected in a few hours or over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/7zadRet0P3
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 3, 2025
Yes. Mike Johnson is merely Speaker by default. There’s just not any other options I suppose.
Trump supports him though so that’s his call.
Personally I think We should Vote out most of Congress.
We’ll see over the next few months though.
— AmericanLibertyUnion (@AdMelioraUSA) January 4, 2025
🚨BREAKING: Speaker Mike Johnson declares securing the border and deporting illegal immigrants as Congress’s top priority.
pic.twitter.com/00XZDCLd6M— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 3, 2025
The turning point came during the first round of voting. Norman and Self returned to the chamber, casting “Aye” votes that secured Johnson’s victory. Both lawmakers later confirmed that assurances from Johnson about advancing Trump’s agenda influenced their decisions.
🚨BREAKING🚨
Mike Johnson's First Act as U.S. House Speaker in the 119th Congress:
Adopt Nancy Pelosi's House Rule for Motion to Vacate
And Speaker Johnson took Nancy's rule and made it WORSE!
Thomas Jefferson's Rule: ONE member to file.
Nancy Pelosi's Rule: FIVE members… pic.twitter.com/89LK3Xgmwx
— National File (@NationalFile) January 3, 2025
🚨BREAKING🚨 These three House Republicans did not vote for Mike Johnson, causing him to lose the first Speaker vote. pic.twitter.com/Lwiu9a7jI6
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 3, 2025
Massie has also gone against his own party by opposing the re-election of Speaker Johnson (R-LA), who has been endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump. Johnson played a decisive role in passing the $95 billion foreign military aid that President Biden signed into law last year.
— Herb 1946 (@Fossil_Herb) January 4, 2025
Reconciliation, a key legislative process, allows for budget-related bills to pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing filibusters. This tool will play a significant role in shaping GOP priorities.
I'm a "Hell No" on re-electing Mike Johnson to serve as Speaker of the House. I joined @FmrRepMattGaetz on @OANN to discuss my opposition.
President Trump's agenda needs to become law. Speaker Johnson has already demonstrated he is not the man who can get that done. pic.twitter.com/JfVoCSNqDy
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 3, 2025
