Trump doubles down on Mike Johnson after foreign aid vote
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Former President Trump reiterated his support for Mike Johnson as the House speaker continues to face a threat to his gavel from GOP hardliners.
Why it matters: The comments come as vocal Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) threatens Johnson's position despite the former president saying earlier this month he stands by the speaker.
- "Well, look, we have a majority of one, OK? It's not like he can go and do whatever he wants to do. I think he's a very good person. You know, he stood very strongly with me on NATO," Trump said on Monday, Politico first reported.
- "I think he's trying very hard."
- Trump's comments could help stave off a conservative rebellion against Johnson as Greene continues to take aim at the Louisiana Republican's policy decision, accusing him of supporting Democrat priorities.
The intrigue: Senior Republicans and Trump confidants have said they fear a motion to vacate could be detrimental both at the top of the ticket and down ballot in November.
- Johnson has come under fire from GOP hardliners over his handling of appropriations, FISA and putting Ukraine funding on the floor, but has received praise from a sizable portion of his conference who argue he has demonstrated leadership.
- Despite breaking with Trump on certain policies, Johnson has been a key ally for the former president, playing a sizable role in his impeachment defense and crafting an amicus brief pushing back on the 2020 election results.
The bottom line: Greene opted not to move on forcing a vote on her resolution to strip him of his gavel, with some conservatives stating that she is losing momentum, noting that there are few legislative priorities left to tackle before the end of this Congress.
- If she pulls the trigger, a sizable number of Democrats said they would vote to save Johnson's position.
