Mike Johnson faces re-election with endorsement from Donald Trump as speaker

House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a challenge from a small group of right-wing Republicans who are threatening to block his re-election on Friday. President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Johnson, but Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Victoria Spartz are leading the opposition, citing concerns about deals made on government spending and surveillance programs. Johnson is confident he will retain the gavel and warns that delaying the process could impact national security issues. The House must choose its leader before any other business can be conducted. Johnson is facing a tight math problem similar to what Kevin McCarthy experienced two years ago, with a narrow majority that could be easily swayed. Johnson has been reaching out to critics and making the case that he is the best person for the job as Republicans are set to control all branches of government. If Johnson is successful, House Republicans plan to vote on a rules change that would make it harder to oust him from the speakership mid-term. This move is part of a deal negotiated between different factions of the Republican Party after the November election. Johnson is focused on enacting Trump’s legislative agenda, including tax cuts and border security, and is advocating for unity within the party to achieve this goal.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com