Scoop: McConnell privately praises Mike Johnson
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Outgoing Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) went out of his way on Tuesday to praise Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) behind closed doors, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: It was a signal to the conference McConnell has led for 18 years that the still-new House speaker should be trusted and supported.
- McConnell plans to wield power as the chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and chair of the Rules Committee.
- Having a productive relationship with Johnson could help him achieve his foreign policy objectives, especially on Ukraine.
Between the lines: McConnell stopped short of endorsing Johnson in his speaker's bid — something he has never waded into.
- But multiple sources in the room noted the leader's decision to speak highly of Johnson.
- McConnell's opinion won't carry much weight in the House — especially with conservatives who could threaten Johnson's speakership. Still, it is a reminder to senators they can find ways to work with and bolster Johnson.
Driving the news: Johnson briefly spoke to Republican senators during their policy retreat, led by incoming Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and incoming GOP policy chair Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).
- It was an eventful meeting: President-elect Trump dialed in for a pep-talk and Thune laid out his plans to use two reconciliation packages to pass Trump's agenda.
Before Johnson left, McConnell commended him for how he has handled a difficult job in managing a razor-thin Republican majority in the face of unhappy members, who don't mind deposing their speaker.
- That's high praise from a senator who has also defeated a leadership challenge.
Zoom out: The two GOP leaders are unlikely bedfellows — an institutionalist defense hawk who has had harsh words for Trump vs. a relatively young conservative who rose to power by aligning his policies with Trump's.
- But McConnell has been clear that one of his proudest recent achievements was securing billions of dollars of military aid for Ukraine earlier this year.
- Johnson — at the urging of McConnell — ultimately passed the aid package through the House with help from House Democrats.
The bottom line: Johnson faces a tough leadership reelection in January, with a vocal conservative flank threatening to withhold support.
- Deficit-conscious Republicans are watching closely how Johnson navigates the looming government funding debate this month.
