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

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

Author

Brandon Goldman
January 03, 2025

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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