Trump Makes Sudden Announcement On Mike Johnson’s Future As Speaker
President-elect Donald Trump voiced strong support for House Speaker Mike Johnson during an interview with Fox News Digital, stating that Johnson could “easily remain speaker” in the new Congress if he “acts decisively and tough” while avoiding “traps being set by Democrats” in upcoming spending negotiations.
Trump’s comments came after the collapse of a bipartisan deal intended to prevent a partial government shutdown. He also criticized any lawmaker supporting a bill that fails to address the debt ceiling issue, saying they “should be primaried and disposed of as quickly as possible.”
On Wednesday evening, Speaker Johnson met with Vice President-elect JD Vance to discuss a potential continuing resolution. Vance described the meeting as “productive” and expressed optimism about resolving the impasse.
Despite efforts to unite the Republican caucus, Johnson has faced challenges securing consensus on legislative measures to prevent a shutdown. The looming January 3, 2025, speaker vote has further intensified scrutiny of his leadership.
A scaled-down version of the 1,500-page funding measure failed in Congress on Thursday, garnering 174 votes in favor and 235 against, with 38 Republicans opposing the bill. The proposal, which required a two-thirds majority for passage, was backed by two Democrats: Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA).
This latest legislative failure follows two days of internal Republican discord over government expenditures. The impasse has drawn attention from prominent Trump supporters, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk.
Meanwhile, the federal deficit has surged to nearly $1.8 trillion, with the national debt surpassing $36 trillion.
The proposed 116-page bill, shorter than its 1,547-page predecessor, includes provisions to suspend the debt ceiling and extend the federal funding deadline to March 14—a move backed by Trump. It also allocates $110 billion for disaster relief and extends the agricultural bill.
With a government shutdown looming at midnight Friday, it remains uncertain whether House Republicans can pass a budget that garners sufficient votes.
During a heated exchange on the House floor, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) lambasted his Republican colleagues for supporting measures that increase the debt ceiling by trillions of dollars.
Roy’s fiery speech came after Trump criticized him on social media for refusing to support the party. Roy accused his fellow Republicans of betraying their fiscal responsibility promises, calling their actions “shameful” and “asinine.”
“What we’re doing right now is doubling down on the things that are destroying the Republic,” Roy declared. “We are going to increase the debt ceiling by $5 trillion... Republicans are adding $110 billion unpaid for, and it’s embarrassing!”
Expressing frustration, he continued, “I am absolutely sickened by a party that campaigns on fiscal responsibility and then pretends this is fiscally responsible. It is absolutely ridiculous.”