Trump reclaims influence of GOP as Republicans fall in line behind Johnson

President-elect Trump managed to rally House Republicans on Friday to re-elect House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., overcoming deep intraparty divisions and quieting concerns over his ability to unify the party after the collapse of a government spending bill last month.

The bill, which faced 38 Republican defectors and the threat of a partial government shutdown, raised doubts about Trump’s hold on the Republican Party. However, those concerns were dispelled on Friday evening when Trump secured the majority votes for Johnson, despite facing opposition from House Freedom Caucus members in a chamber where the GOP holds a slim majority.

Initially, three Republicans voted against Johnson, and seven others remained silent. With the party’s narrow margin, Johnson could afford just one GOP defector. After the first round of voting, the outcome was uncertain.

However, all but one holdout eventually changed their vote, with many attributing Trump’s influence as a key factor in their decision. Two of the holdouts, Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Keith Self, R-Texas, revealed that multiple conversations with Trump convinced them to support Johnson.

Self, who initially voted against Johnson but later switched to a “yes” vote, stated that his decision was driven by the need to make the Trump agenda successful. He emphasized the importance of Republican unity in advancing the President-elect’s priorities.

Norman also confirmed speaking with Trump, who underscored the importance of electing Johnson as the only viable candidate. While Trump did not directly change Norman’s vote, he emphasized the necessity of change under Johnson’s leadership.

Throughout the process, sources indicated that Trump maintained constant communication with House Republicans. The House Freedom Caucus, comprising eleven members who had clashed with Johnson over the spending bill, ultimately backed Johnson in a letter expressing unwavering support for the President-elect.

In the letter authored by Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, members cited their endorsement of Johnson as a testament to their allegiance to Trump and the timely certification of his electors.

Despite reservations about Johnson’s track record, the Freedom Caucus emphasized their commitment to advancing Trump’s agenda through Johnson’s leadership. Johnson, in turn, thanked Trump for his support and called for unity among Congressional Republicans to deliver on the President-elect’s America First agenda.

In conclusion, the successful re-election of House Speaker Mike Johnson underscored Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party. The episode highlighted the importance of party unity in advancing the President-elect’s policy goals and signaled a renewed commitment to fulfilling his agenda.