Mike Johnson (R-LA) retained his position as Speaker of the House after President Donald Trump successfully rallied support from critical Republican lawmakers.
Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Keith Self (R-TX) were initially opposed to Johnson, casting votes against him during a contentious leadership decision. Both expressed concerns about his ability to advance Trump’s legislative priorities, leaving his position in jeopardy.
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
Their reversal came after Trump’s direct intervention. Alongside Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Trump emphasized the importance of a united GOP to counter Senate Democrats during the reconciliation process. Norman and Self eventually returned to the chamber, switching their votes to “Aye” and securing Johnson’s victory.
🚨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
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), however, remained a vocal critic of Johnson’s leadership. He rejected the idea of compromise, declaring on social media and in interviews that his opposition was unwavering. Massie’s stance highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican Party as it navigates key legislative battles.
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
Yes. Mike Johnson is merely Speaker by default. There’s just not any other options I suppose.
Trump supports him though so that’s his call.
Personally I think We should Vote out most of Congress.
We’ll see over the next few months though.
— AmericanLibertyUnion (@AdMelioraUSA) January 4, 2025
🚨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
Following the vote, Self explained that his decision was influenced by Johnson’s assurances about advancing conservative priorities and maintaining fiscal responsibility. These commitments, he said, aligned with the needs of his constituents and Trump’s agenda.
🚨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, a procedural tool that bypasses filibusters in the Senate, will be central to advancing key policies under GOP 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
