President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) Monday morning after leaving Johnson twisting in the wind for 11 days.
Trump posted a 232-word soliloquy on Truth Social touting his electoral romp and attacking Democrats for weaponizing the government against him.
At the very end, he endorsed Johnson for speaker, using his boilerplate endorsement language:
LETS NOT BLOW THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN. The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration. Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!
Trump left Johnson twisting in the wind after December 19, when Johnson failed to deliver on Trump’s desire to lift the debt ceiling as part of a government spending deal. Reports that Trump fumed from Mar-a-Lago, coupled with Trump’s silence as criticism against Johnson rose, cast doubts on Trump’s commitment to Johnson.
SCOOP: After a disaster of a week on the CR, PRES TRUMP is now having 2nd thoughts abt MIKE JOHNSON as speaker, I'm told
— Rachael Bade (@rachaelmbade) December 23, 2024
He's keeping his powder dry as he considers whether an ugly speakership battle is worth moving against him
My column -> https://t.co/KoLeCt7b9t
Trump’s endorsement is likely the only thing that could save Johnson. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has pledged not to vote for Johnson, who could only lose one addition vote on the House floor and keep his gavel.
Yet Trump’s endorsement might not equal salvation. Other Republicans who occasionally have bucked Trump before, including on the December 19 vote to fund the government and raise the debt ceiling, have indicated displeasure with Johnson
Johnson was quick to tout Trump’s endorsement, echoing Trump’s message on the necessity of hitting the ground running in January.
Thank you, President Trump! I’m honored and humbled by your support, as always.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 30, 2024
Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America.
The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ljGrB08dRh
The vote on January 3, 2025 is a roll call vote. The House must select a Speaker in order to certify the election on January 6.
Bradley Jaye is a Capitol Hill Correspondent for Breitbart News. Follow him on X/Twitter at @BradleyAJaye.
