During the recent government funding negotiations, House Speaker Mike Johnson found himself at the center of attention as lawmakers grappled with reaching a consensus. With the requirement of securing 218 votes to establish a majority in the lower chamber, Johnson humorously welcomed anyone else who could gather the necessary support.
Republican Rep. David Valadao, a key House appropriator involved in the negotiations, acknowledged Johnson's frequent joke about the 218-vote threshold. Valadao highlighted the challenges of uniting the House Republican majority, especially given the recent tumultuous political climate.
Despite some frustration among lawmakers over feeling left in the dark during the negotiation process and Johnson's last-minute pivots on the government funding plan, most Republicans are not actively seeking to remove him from the speakership. The upcoming holiday break is expected to provide a much-needed respite and potentially ease tensions within the party.
One significant factor working in Johnson's favor is the public support he enjoys from President-elect Donald Trump. Several Republican representatives, including Mike Collins, have expressed their backing for Johnson, citing Trump's endorsement as a key factor in their support.
However, Johnson has not been immune to criticism, even from some of Trump's supporters. At a conservative gathering in Arizona, attendees reacted negatively to a mention of the speaker during a speech by former Trump aide Steve Bannon. Bannon went as far as suggesting that Johnson should be removed from the speakership.
