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House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership hangs in the balance after a turbulent end to the year. A spending bill to avert a government shutdown caused significant fallout within the Republican Party, with critics including President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Earlier in December, Johnson faced backlash for a 1,547-page spending bill criticized as “bloated” and prioritizing Democratic agendas. Trump called the bill a “win” for Democrats and urged Republicans to reject it. After renegotiation, a trimmed 118-page bill passed, but the ordeal left many Republicans questioning Johnson’s leadership.
Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who opposes Johnson, called the initial spending bill a “product of the swamp.” He revealed to reporters that at least three House GOP members are dissatisfied, hinting that Johnson may lack the support to retain the speakership in the January vote.
Massie stated: “That [1,547-page] bill was a product of the swamp that uniparty Johnson was happy to facilitate. He couldn’t understand why we didn’t lap it up.” He added that more discontented Republicans could further imperil Johnson’s re-election.
Other lawmakers also expressed frustrations. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) criticized Johnson for poor communication during the spending negotiations. Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) commented, “Every day [his leadership] is in question. With a three-person majority next Congress, his chances are slimmer.”
Senators and key figures have weighed in with mixed views. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) argued Johnson “lost control of the House” and suggested Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy as alternatives, stating, “Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk.” Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) echoed the sentiment, adding, “Nothing’s impossible. It would be a joy to see the establishment lose their minds.”
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who previously threatened to oust Johnson over a similar funding dispute, indicated her support for Paul’s proposal.
Despite the criticism, others remain firmly behind Johnson. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) described him as “the most conservative Speaker of the House we’ve seen in our lifetimes.” Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) warned that opposing Johnson would “weaken the Republican Conference and strengthen Hakeem Jeffries.”
Trump’s role will likely be decisive. In a recent Truth Social post, he suggested Johnson “could easily remain speaker” if he “overcomes traps set by Democrats.” Without Trump’s support, however, Johnson’s hold on power could falter come January 3.
As Republicans head toward a crucial vote, the party remains deeply divided, leaving Johnson’s future as speaker uncertain.
