Massie comes out against Johnson retaining speaker’s gavel: ‘He does not have my vote’

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has made it clear that he will not be supporting House Speaker Mike Johnson for another term as speaker of the House. In an interview with CNN’s Manu Raju, Massie stated, “He does not have my vote,” and when asked if he would reconsider, Massie humorously replied that it would require “a Christmas miracle.”

This decision comes after earlier this year when Massie supported Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in an attempt to remove Johnson from his position as speaker. However, the majority of members from both parties ultimately voted against the ouster effort.

Johnson recently advocated for a government spending measure that spanned over 1,500 pages in an effort to prevent a partial government shutdown. During an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” Johnson explained that the measure would delay the government funding issue until March when Republicans are set to take control of Congress and the White House, allowing the GOP to determine spending for 2025. The measure also included provisions for disaster relief funding and aid for farmers.

Despite Johnson’s efforts, the proposal faced criticism from conservatives, including Elon Musk, President-elect Donald Trump, and Vice President-elect JD Vance. Trump and Vance released a statement calling for a streamlined spending bill that does not cater to Democratic demands.

In response to the spending measure, Massie took to Twitter to express his disapproval, sharing an AI-generated image that depicted Johnson holding a hose while a house burned in the background. Massie’s tweet highlighted his belief that foreign aid spending is akin to watering the neighbor’s yard while neglecting one’s own burning house.

As the debate over government spending continues, House GOP leaders are scrambling to find an alternative plan following the backlash from conservatives and influential figures like Musk, Trump, and Vance. The rift within the party underscores the challenges facing Republican leadership as they navigate the complex issue of government funding.

In conclusion, Massie’s decision not to support Johnson for another term as speaker of the House reflects the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over key policy issues. The debate over government spending and foreign aid highlights the divisions within the party and the challenges facing GOP leaders as they seek to unite their members behind a cohesive agenda.