President-elect Donald Trump has extended his best wishes to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, offering “good luck” ahead of a critical vote that will determine whether the Republican from Louisiana can hold onto his position.
On Friday, Trump posted a message on Truth Social, describing Johnson as “a fine man of great ability” and reiterated his support for the Speaker.
The vote to elect the Speaker of the House, in which Johnson is aiming to retain his role, is scheduled for January 3, marking the first day of the 119th Congress.
Johnson has faced backlash from several members of his own party due to his collaborative work with Democrats on a bill to avert a government shutdown in December. With the election approaching, Trump’s public endorsement is seen as a significant show of support for Johnson as he heads into the Speaker election vote.
Given the slim Republican majority in the House, Johnson can afford to lose only one vote from his own party to secure his position as speaker.
Trump’s allies voiced frustration with Johnson when the bill to keep the government running passed without including Trump’s demand to raise the debt ceiling. Despite this, Trump continued to back Johnson, praising him as a “good, hard working, religious man” and confirming his “complete & total endorsement” in a post on December 31.
{Matzav.com}