Johnson reaches an unstable phase in his speakership at the most inopportune moment
One Republican has committed to opposing him over the spending fiasco, and he cannot afford to lose another supporter given his extremely slim majority.
TroibNews 
House conservatives are signaling that Speaker Mike Johnson has significant challenges ahead if he aims to retain his position.
The Louisiana Republican finds himself at a challenging crossroads following a difficult struggle involving President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the more conservative factions within his party over spending issues, a conflict that narrowly prevented a government shutdown.
This situation could not have come at a worse time for Johnson, with the critical speakership vote looming in just two weeks. One Republican has already pledged to oppose him, and given his slim majority, he cannot afford any more defections. Several members have expressed their discontent with Johnson's handling of a stopgap spending bill.
“My advice to the speaker would be: You’ve probably got some bridges to mend, spend the holidays reaching out to members and address their concerns,” stated Rep. Andy Ogles. “I think he needs to work the phones.”
Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris expressed uncertainty in a statement post-spending vote, noting, “I am now undecided on what House leadership should look like.” Rep. Andy Biggs indicated he would take the two-week break to “ruminate on … what’s happened since he’s taken over,” stating he would not reveal his voting decision ahead of January 3, characterizing the recent funding battle as “a disaster.”
Worse yet for Johnson, discontent emerged not only from the usual vocal critics but also from more moderate members who were frustrated with his management of the funding negotiation. Following a chaotic negotiation and backlash over a nearly 1,550-page funding proposal worked out with Democrats, he withdrew the plan under pressure from Trump, moving instead to support a Trump-endorsed bill without proper notice to his colleagues.
“There’s zero communication from leadership to the membership. And it’s very frustrating and something needs to change before Jan. 3 here," Rep. Nicole Malliotakis told reporters. “We need a clear understanding of how we’re going to do things next session because what is happening right now is completely unacceptable.”
A leadership conflict would not only pose significant risks for Johnson, but it would also overshadow the Republican Party's priorities at a critical time, especially with the GOP aiming to push significant legislation related to border security and energy within the first 100 days of the upcoming administration. Despite Trump's public criticism of Johnson's initial spending proposal, he has also privately cautioned lawmakers against actions that would jeopardize his agenda.
Some Republicans are hopeful a leadership battle can be avoided, believing it would disrupt their momentum with voters post-election and project an image of chaos.
“None of us are walking in his shoes, so it's maybe a bit easy to criticize, but his situation does deserve a careful look at what he's trying to do,” said Rep. Steve Womack, an appropriator. “A little time away has a way of healing some of that frustration and some of that angst, and we'll see when we come back if it persists. There are some pretty determined people in our conference and it's a thin majority, so I would speculate that it's not automatic.”
Despite the tumult, Johnson successfully passed a government funding bill through the House by a substantial margin on Friday evening, minimizing defections to just 34 votes — significantly fewer than anticipated just 48 hours earlier. He now has two weeks to hope that tensions ease.
Johnson's political future may hinge on Trump’s support. Although Trump endorsed him previously, some members threaten to oppose him, and if Trump withdraws this endorsement, Johnson could find himself in serious trouble.
“I think it'll be fine unless Trump comes out against him,” remarked Rep. Warren Davidson.
Some of Trump's allies have indicated that the incoming president may not expend political capital to support Johnson if he faces challenges or appears to struggle; additionally, Trump publicly issued a warning about his political future. Members from Johnson’s right flank are starting to suggest alternative leadership.
Rep. Ralph Norman, a House Freedom Caucus member, mentioned Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan and Majority Whip Tom Emmer as potential alternatives should Johnson falter. However, he also acknowledged uncertainty about whether either would seek the position or perform better than Johnson. Nonetheless, Norman has not withdrawn his support for Johnson but issued a cautionary note.
“There would have to be some changes. Don't let this happen again,” Norman commented, describing the week as “contentious.”
Some Republicans interpreted the chaotic events as a test of Johnson’s ability to manage his party and coordinate with Trump in the coming year, as they will face significant pressure to deliver on ambitious goals with full control of the federal government. Many have pointed out that both Johnson and the conference as a whole must still work to strengthen their organization.
“We’ve got to organize ourselves to be ahead of these things. We know what’s coming. We know that we’re going to have tough choices to make. … So we need to organize. We need to move. We need lots of work over Christmas,” asserted Rep. Chip Roy, while refraining from discussing the speakership race.
Davidson added, “I think it'll be time for a good after-action review. Well, I have some frustrations. And I think I kind of look at all of this as pre-season, in a sense, for the next Congress.”
“So, as the team is getting used to working together, I’d be curious what the collaboration was like with President Trump,” Davidson reflected.
Despite the upheaval over the spending bill, Johnson has been attempting for months to address his right flank’s concerns, giving him some leverage and a possible pathway back into their good favor.
“He’ll be fine. He's got widespread support among the conference, and he's a fighter, and he has shown that over the course of this latest process. And we need a fighter to help implement the Trump agenda,” declared Rep. Ben Cline, a member of the House Freedom Caucus.
Additionally, there exists a strong motivation within the party to avoid a repeat of the drawn-out battle that followed Kevin McCarthy's ouster, which paralyzed the House for three weeks during a prolonged search for his successor.
“I don't want to see the shit-show we had last year. And so if Johnson is our guy, I’ll vote for Johnson. If it tanks, then Scalise pops up, then we will have to reevaluate it,” stated Rep. Scott DesJarlais, a House Freedom Caucus member. “The best thing for the Republican Party is for us just to get it done and get to work. I think the disaster this week is a dangerous prelude to what could come if we don't get very active and work as a team.”
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
The Louisiana Republican finds himself at a challenging crossroads following a difficult struggle involving President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the more conservative factions within his party over spending issues, a conflict that narrowly prevented a government shutdown.
This situation could not have come at a worse time for Johnson, with the critical speakership vote looming in just two weeks. One Republican has already pledged to oppose him, and given his slim majority, he cannot afford any more defections. Several members have expressed their discontent with Johnson's handling of a stopgap spending bill.
“My advice to the speaker would be: You’ve probably got some bridges to mend, spend the holidays reaching out to members and address their concerns,” stated Rep. Andy Ogles. “I think he needs to work the phones.”
Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris expressed uncertainty in a statement post-spending vote, noting, “I am now undecided on what House leadership should look like.” Rep. Andy Biggs indicated he would take the two-week break to “ruminate on … what’s happened since he’s taken over,” stating he would not reveal his voting decision ahead of January 3, characterizing the recent funding battle as “a disaster.”
Worse yet for Johnson, discontent emerged not only from the usual vocal critics but also from more moderate members who were frustrated with his management of the funding negotiation. Following a chaotic negotiation and backlash over a nearly 1,550-page funding proposal worked out with Democrats, he withdrew the plan under pressure from Trump, moving instead to support a Trump-endorsed bill without proper notice to his colleagues.
“There’s zero communication from leadership to the membership. And it’s very frustrating and something needs to change before Jan. 3 here," Rep. Nicole Malliotakis told reporters. “We need a clear understanding of how we’re going to do things next session because what is happening right now is completely unacceptable.”
A leadership conflict would not only pose significant risks for Johnson, but it would also overshadow the Republican Party's priorities at a critical time, especially with the GOP aiming to push significant legislation related to border security and energy within the first 100 days of the upcoming administration. Despite Trump's public criticism of Johnson's initial spending proposal, he has also privately cautioned lawmakers against actions that would jeopardize his agenda.
Some Republicans are hopeful a leadership battle can be avoided, believing it would disrupt their momentum with voters post-election and project an image of chaos.
“None of us are walking in his shoes, so it's maybe a bit easy to criticize, but his situation does deserve a careful look at what he's trying to do,” said Rep. Steve Womack, an appropriator. “A little time away has a way of healing some of that frustration and some of that angst, and we'll see when we come back if it persists. There are some pretty determined people in our conference and it's a thin majority, so I would speculate that it's not automatic.”
Despite the tumult, Johnson successfully passed a government funding bill through the House by a substantial margin on Friday evening, minimizing defections to just 34 votes — significantly fewer than anticipated just 48 hours earlier. He now has two weeks to hope that tensions ease.
Johnson's political future may hinge on Trump’s support. Although Trump endorsed him previously, some members threaten to oppose him, and if Trump withdraws this endorsement, Johnson could find himself in serious trouble.
“I think it'll be fine unless Trump comes out against him,” remarked Rep. Warren Davidson.
Some of Trump's allies have indicated that the incoming president may not expend political capital to support Johnson if he faces challenges or appears to struggle; additionally, Trump publicly issued a warning about his political future. Members from Johnson’s right flank are starting to suggest alternative leadership.
Rep. Ralph Norman, a House Freedom Caucus member, mentioned Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan and Majority Whip Tom Emmer as potential alternatives should Johnson falter. However, he also acknowledged uncertainty about whether either would seek the position or perform better than Johnson. Nonetheless, Norman has not withdrawn his support for Johnson but issued a cautionary note.
“There would have to be some changes. Don't let this happen again,” Norman commented, describing the week as “contentious.”
Some Republicans interpreted the chaotic events as a test of Johnson’s ability to manage his party and coordinate with Trump in the coming year, as they will face significant pressure to deliver on ambitious goals with full control of the federal government. Many have pointed out that both Johnson and the conference as a whole must still work to strengthen their organization.
“We’ve got to organize ourselves to be ahead of these things. We know what’s coming. We know that we’re going to have tough choices to make. … So we need to organize. We need to move. We need lots of work over Christmas,” asserted Rep. Chip Roy, while refraining from discussing the speakership race.
Davidson added, “I think it'll be time for a good after-action review. Well, I have some frustrations. And I think I kind of look at all of this as pre-season, in a sense, for the next Congress.”
“So, as the team is getting used to working together, I’d be curious what the collaboration was like with President Trump,” Davidson reflected.
Despite the upheaval over the spending bill, Johnson has been attempting for months to address his right flank’s concerns, giving him some leverage and a possible pathway back into their good favor.
“He’ll be fine. He's got widespread support among the conference, and he's a fighter, and he has shown that over the course of this latest process. And we need a fighter to help implement the Trump agenda,” declared Rep. Ben Cline, a member of the House Freedom Caucus.
Additionally, there exists a strong motivation within the party to avoid a repeat of the drawn-out battle that followed Kevin McCarthy's ouster, which paralyzed the House for three weeks during a prolonged search for his successor.
“I don't want to see the shit-show we had last year. And so if Johnson is our guy, I’ll vote for Johnson. If it tanks, then Scalise pops up, then we will have to reevaluate it,” stated Rep. Scott DesJarlais, a House Freedom Caucus member. “The best thing for the Republican Party is for us just to get it done and get to work. I think the disaster this week is a dangerous prelude to what could come if we don't get very active and work as a team.”
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
