As President-elect Donald Trump considers House Republicans for his Cabinet, Speaker Mike Johnson faces a delicate balancing act to maintain the party's majority in the next Congress. Trump has already named Rep. Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador and approached Rep. Mike Waltz for the national security adviser role, sparking discussions about other potential picks from the House.
While the House GOP remains a strong base of support for Trump, losing key members to his Cabinet could jeopardize Johnson's ability to maintain control of the chamber in 2025. Lawmakers like Rep. Kelly Armstrong acknowledge the talent within the party but emphasize the importance of preserving the majority.
With the Senate recently flipped to Republican control, the exact composition of the incoming Congress remains uncertain. Johnson and his team are optimistic about retaining their narrow House majority, but the margin of victory will determine Trump's capacity to recruit more House Republicans.
Stefanik and Waltz's potential departures would reduce GOP numbers, prompting cautious calculations within the party. Many House Republicans have long speculated about Stefanik's Cabinet appointment, given her close ties to Trump and the party. Waltz, a decorated military veteran and Trump loyalist, also stands out as a potential pick.
Several other House Republicans, including those from Florida, have expressed interest in joining Trump's Cabinet. The party is considering options like poaching from members planning to leave Congress in 2025, such as Rep. Garret Graves and Rep. Matt Rosendale.
Trump's choices are not limited to the House, with potential Senate nominees like Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state. However, the Trump team faces constraints due to the Senate's composition, with only a few seats available for Cabinet picks.
As discussions continue within the GOP, the delicate dance between Cabinet appointments and maintaining majority control in Congress remains a key focus for party leadership.
