Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is set to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on New Year’s Day. The two will map out a strategy for the upcoming Speaker election, which takes place on Friday. With the Republican majority in the House hanging by a thread, Johnson faces a tight vote, and securing Trump’s backing is crucial for his chances of success.
Johnson revealed that Trump had initially planned to announce his endorsement on New Year’s Day but moved the endorsement up to Monday after speaking with him. Trump publicly endorsed Johnson as a “good, hardworking, religious man,” and pledged full support for his candidacy.
Trump has also committed to making calls on Johnson’s behalf if necessary to rally the votes needed for the Speaker role. Johnson’s path to victory is complicated, as he can afford to lose only one Republican vote, and some GOP members, like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), have voiced opposition. With key Republicans still undecided, the meeting at Mar-a-Lago is seen as a pivotal moment in solidifying Johnson’s position as Speaker and ensuring a successful vote on Friday.
As the stakes grow higher, Johnson is working to unify Republicans and secure the votes that will allow him to take on the role of Speaker, a position that will be central in shaping the legislative agenda in the upcoming year.
