Conservative columnist Matt Lewis appeared on MSNBC’s Way Too Early with host Ali Vitali on Friday, where he discussed the importance of Donald Trump influencing the GOP to elect House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Lewis, who writes for The Hill, warned that if Trump can’t persuade GOP members to back Johnson, it could be “game over” for him.
During the segment, Vitali asked Lewis about the crucial vote happening that day to re-elect Speaker Johnson. Lewis explained that Trump needs the election of Johnson to move forward with his plans. “Trump needs this to happen. Ultimately, he needs to be certified, as you were noting earlier,” Lewis said. He added that without the election of Johnson or another suitable candidate, the process might be stalled.
However, Lewis also mentioned that even if Johnson is re-elected, his future as Speaker remains uncertain. “I think he’s going to have an interesting year. It’s like solving a Rubik’s cube – some people can do it, I could never do it,” Lewis joked. He suggested that Johnson might face challenges ahead despite gaining Trump’s support.
Lewis pointed out that while Trump holds a strong influence over the Republican Party, his power doesn’t always translate well into political victories. “Trump’s power and influence have never really been that transferable,” Lewis said. He explained that Trump’s endorsements in past Senate races have sometimes resulted in losses for his candidates. While Trump’s influence improved over time, he stressed that it may not be enough to sway every GOP member.
Lewis went on to explain that Trump’s challenge lies in the narrow margin within the House. Even if Trump convinces most Republicans to back Johnson, a small group of dissenters could ruin his efforts. “If you have one or two people, like Rep. Tom Massie (R-KY), who are not intimidated, it’s game over,” he warned.
In conclusion, Lewis stressed that Trump’s ability to rally the GOP and secure Johnson’s re-election is crucial, but a few stubborn opponents could prevent him from achieving his goal, making this vote a significant test of his political power.
