Today’s vote for House Speaker is a make-or-break moment for Mike Johnson, who faces a tough road ahead. While the race is crucial for Johnson’s future, it’s also a test of Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP. If Johnson fails to win, it could raise doubts about Trump’s ability to lead the party moving forward.
Trump has made it clear he’s backing Johnson, calling him a “fine man” on his social media platform, Truth Social. He’s also said that if Johnson succeeds, it would be a major win for the GOP and a victory for Trump’s 2024 election campaign. But even Trump’s endorsement doesn’t guarantee Johnson’s victory, and without it, the Republican Party could face serious challenges going forward.
As soon as Trump steps back into the White House in January, he wants to push for bold changes like overhauling immigration laws and implementing big tax cuts. These goals will require strong leadership, unity, and political skill in the House. But before anything can happen, Republicans need to pick a Speaker of the House—a process that’s been anything but smooth for Johnson, who has only a slim majority to work with.
Johnson himself has warned that the GOP is in danger of wasting a major opportunity. “We could be the most consequential Congress of the modern era, but we need to start strong,” he told Fox Business. The Louisiana Republican believes this is the moment for the GOP to act quickly, especially with Trump ready to re-enter office and push for change.
However, even members of his own party are growing concerned. Representative Mike Lawler from New York called it “stupid” to drag out the Speaker election. He’s one of many Republicans worried about the consequences of a prolonged vote.
One of the biggest challenges for Johnson is his lack of guaranteed support. Some Republicans blame him for working with Democrats in the past, particularly when he helped pass a large aid package for Ukraine. Others question his leadership abilities, especially after a messy spending bill showdown last year. Several Republicans, including Representatives Thomas Massie and Tim Burchett, have already said they won’t vote for him.
Johnson’s team has been scrambling to secure enough votes, with the Speaker hopeful holding meetings with members who remain undecided. He’s trying to convince them that he’s listening to their concerns, but some still aren’t sure he’s the right person for the job.
Trump’s involvement could make a difference, though. The former president has promised to personally reach out to holdouts, and many Republicans will think twice before going against him. But even with Trump’s backing, Johnson could still struggle to get enough support.
The stakes are high. If Republicans can’t elect a Speaker by Monday, it could delay the process of certifying Trump’s election victory—a situation that would surely frustrate the president-elect. This also marks the fourth anniversary of the January 6th Capitol riot, a reminder of how much is at stake for Trump and the GOP.
