A number of MAGA and Republican figures have criticized President-elect Donald Trump after he endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Newsweek has contacted the Trump transition team and Johnson’s office for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Trump’s endorsement provides some relief for Johnson, who has faced criticism from hard-line Republicans for working with Democrats to pass a continuing resolution (CR) bill to prevent a government shutdown, in the speaker race. However, the backlash against his support of Johnson could be indicative of the turbulence Trump will encounter, including within GOP ranks, when he returns to the White House.
.Speaker of the House Mike Johnson shakes hands with President-elect Donald Trump at a House Republicans Conference meeting on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Trump’s endorsement of Johnson to be reelected House speaker has received criticism from MAGA followers.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
What to Know
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Johnson a “good, hardworking, religious man” who will “do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN” if he is reelected speaker in January.
Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie lashed out at Trump’s backing of Johnson, comparing the House speaker to a “potato” like President Joe Biden. Massie also said Trump’s backing of Johnson “is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan” referring to the former speaker who clashed with Trump during his first term.
Other MAGA figures on social media criticized Trump for showing his support of Johnson, suggesting the president-elect is making a “mistake.”
Due to the GOP’s razor-thin majority in the House for the 119th congressional term, Johnson cannot afford to lose more than one Republican vote in a full speaker election vote on January 3, presuming every Democrat backs current House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the role.
Trump’s support for Johnson came despite the fact that the CR bill, which the House voted to pass on December 20, did not include his demand to raise the debt ceiling,
Trump’s plan to fund operations and suspend the debt ceiling had been rejected that same day, as Democrats and several Republicans refused to accommodate his sudden demands.
What People Are Saying
Donald Trump wrote Truth Social on Monday: “The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration. Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!”
Kentucky GOP Representative Thomas Massie posted on X: “For months Democrats ignored the fact that Joe Biden was a potato. They convinced themselves that keeping him around was the pragmatic way to win the day. Too late did they admit the emperor had no clothes. Republicans are doing the same thing by keeping Speaker Mike Johnson.”
“I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan. We’ve seen Johnson partner with the Democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget.”
Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X who is to colead the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump, replied to Massie: “You might be right, but let’s see how it goes.”
Tim Sharp, a writer at the conservative news blog AMP America, posted on X: “It’s time to stop putting Trump on a pedestal. He makes mistakes. His endorsement of Mike Johnson is a mistake. It’s OK to challenge our own side.”
MAGA follower @Sassafrass_84 posted on X: “Trump endorses Mike Johnson for speaker of the House. Why? This is definitely one of those times that I do not agree with Trump. He is so cringe and America last.”
Emerald Robinson, a former Newsmax and One America News Network (OAN) White House correspondent, posted on X: “Trump backed Paul Ryan. How did that work out? Trump backed Kevin McCarthy. How did that work out? Trump has now backed Mike Johnson. It’s not going to work out well. Just like the last two. Johnson is compromised. And it’s obvious.”
Republican South Carolina Representative Russell Fry posted on X: “President Donald Trump is right—Speaker Johnson is the man for the job. He has my full support!”
House Speaker Mike Johnson replying to Trump’s endorsement on X: “Thank you, President Trump! I’m honored and humbled by your support, as always. Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America. The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work!”
What’s Next
The House of Representatives is to vote for the next speaker on January 3. The House cannot conduct any official business until it elects a speaker.
