Washington

The Intra-Right’s First Battle: Mike Johnson’s Leadership

Libertarian-minded Republicans want to ditch Johnson, but Trump needs a team player.

Jan 3, 2025

The Intra-Right’s First Battle: Mike Johnson’s Leadership

Last week, President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) for another term as Speaker. Trump’s close confidante Elon Musk followed suit, also endorsing the Louisiana Republican.

As Speaker, Johnson most recently led the effort to pass a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown and successfully added conservative priorities to the National Defense Authorization Act, such as restricting taxpayer funding of sex-change surgeries for the children of military members.

Meet the Critics

Trump’s endorsement of Johnson sparked fury among Congress’ libertarians.

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Betty Smith2 years ago

I would like to see more input from VP JD Vance and less input from Elon Musk. We didn’t elect him. I don’t mind that he has an opinion, but I want to see real work being done by our Vice President. We have four years to see what kind of a President he would make.

Chris Carbott2 years ago

Johnson may not be the strongest pick, but the GOP MUST be united from the get-go to begin the huge amount of work needed to fix what's wrong in America. Trump's agenda must come first.

Paul Bohac2 years ago

What is needed now in the Republican party are statesman, leaders willing to compromise to achieve progress. The President has an agenda, he was elected on the basis of his campaign promises as were many Republican members of Congress to support the President's agenda. Now it is imperative that the House and Senate move forward and advance those elements of the agenda that will improve the lives of the American people. Infighting within the party is to be expected, but it should not be so rancorous or disruptive as to prevent forward movement. Johnson's efforts prevented a last minute shutdown, he is obviously skilled. That alone should earn him another 2-year term.

Jonathan Horen2 years ago

Whomever it is/will-be, I very much want to see a return to single-item bills. Related issues? Perhaps, but the "relation" has to be more "by blood", and less (if at all) "by marriage".

There's a saying that "legislation lasts", and reader Pal Bohac's comment that what is needed are "leaders willing to compromise to achieve progress" will only succeed in passing watered-down legislation that doesn't fulfill the original intent.

If it needs "pork" to pass, it ain't kosher.