Mike Johnson (R-LA) retained his role as Speaker of the House after a contentious vote, bolstered by President Donald Trump’s direct intervention with Republican lawmakers.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) led opposition to Johnson’s leadership, publicly refusing to support him under any circumstances. Massie’s stance, widely publicized on social media and interviews, became a focal point for GOP critics of Johnson.
It’s an incredible honor to continue serving our great country as Speaker of the House.
Now, let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/22YITXHrvh
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 3, 2025
Speaker Mike Johnson retains the gavel by a razor-thin margin. The victory occurred after President-elect Trump doubled down on his support for Johnson. ABC's @Jayobtv had more. https://t.co/QgAX7wRgUQ pic.twitter.com/nr8XkYrzmZ
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 4, 2025
Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Keith Self (R-TX) initially joined Massie in opposing Johnson. Their concerns centered on fiscal responsibility and Johnson’s ability to prioritize Trump’s agenda. Both lawmakers cast early votes against Johnson, leaving his position at risk.
🚨BREAKING: President Trump's endorsement just WON Mike Johnson the Speaker of the House position for a SECOND TIME! pic.twitter.com/9Q3JMa9mo9
— 梅雪舟 (@tanyuchong0521) January 4, 2025
Speaker Mike Johnson has officially closed the 118th Congress.
This is the unofficial beginning of the Trump era. pic.twitter.com/jVnmvWbsPv
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 3, 2025
Trump gets Johnson across the finish line but dramatic speaker vote signals challenges ahead https://t.co/5E54rbfp6D via @Yahoo
— Monika Preisner🍉💙💛BlueCrew 2024 #RESIST (@MonikaPreisner) January 4, 2025
Trump’s personal outreach to Norman and Self, along with assistance from Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), ultimately shifted the tide. The lawmakers reconsidered after receiving assurances from Johnson regarding his approach to budget reconciliation and advancing conservative policies.
I conducted this poll just one week ago. Nearly everyone knows from his 18 month history of betraying Republicans and teaming with Democrats that Johnson isn’t the right guy. If he fails on the first round today, a better Speaker can be elected in a few hours or over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/7zadRet0P3
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 3, 2025
https://twitter.com/AdMelioraUSA/status/1875539512740474988
🚨BREAKING: Speaker Mike Johnson declares securing the border and deporting illegal immigrants as Congress’s top priority.
pic.twitter.com/00XZDCLd6M— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 3, 2025
The dramatic reversal unfolded during the first round of voting. Norman and Self returned to the chamber, switching their votes to “Aye” and securing Johnson’s leadership. Their decisions were pivotal in solidifying GOP unity.
🚨BREAKING🚨
Mike Johnson's First Act as U.S. House Speaker in the 119th Congress:
Adopt Nancy Pelosi's House Rule for Motion to Vacate
And Speaker Johnson took Nancy's rule and made it WORSE!
Thomas Jefferson's Rule: ONE member to file.
Nancy Pelosi's Rule: FIVE members… pic.twitter.com/89LK3Xgmwx
— National File (@NationalFile) January 3, 2025
🚨BREAKING🚨 These three House Republicans did not vote for Mike Johnson, causing him to lose the first Speaker vote. pic.twitter.com/Lwiu9a7jI6
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 3, 2025
Massie has also gone against his own party by opposing the re-election of Speaker Johnson (R-LA), who has been endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump. Johnson played a decisive role in passing the $95 billion foreign military aid that President Biden signed into law last year.
— Herb 1946 (@Fossil_Herb) January 4, 2025
Budget reconciliation, which allows the Senate to bypass filibusters with a simple majority, will be a crucial tool for advancing Republican priorities under Johnson’s leadership.
I'm a "Hell No" on re-electing Mike Johnson to serve as Speaker of the House. I joined @FmrRepMattGaetz on @OANN to discuss my opposition.
President Trump's agenda needs to become law. Speaker Johnson has already demonstrated he is not the man who can get that done. pic.twitter.com/JfVoCSNqDy
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 3, 2025
