Trump Backs House Speaker Mike Johnson Ahead of Key Vote

Investing.com -- President-elect Donald Trump has extended his full support to House Speaker Mike Johnson in an effort to avoid a potential leadership dispute that could obstruct plans for a second term in the House of Representatives. Trump expressed his backing for Johnson on his Truth Social platform on Monday.

Trump's endorsement arrives at a time when the House is set to vote on a presidential position on January 3. While there is currently no official challenger to Johnson, some Republicans have voiced concerns that a competition for this role could delay the implementation of Trump's policy initiatives and even the certification of his electoral victory. The Republican Party is expected to hold a narrow majority in the upcoming session of the House.

Johnson has faced criticism from hardline conservative lawmakers for supporting a temporary spending deal that does not meet Trump’s request to raise the U.S. debt ceiling.

Trump's backing comes in the wake of a senior Republican lawmaker's call on Sunday for the president-elect to intervene and help avoid a struggle for the speakership. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer remarked on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures program, "Five Republicans are not committing to vote for Mike Johnson - and he can only afford to lose one or two votes." Comer added that he will "strongly encourage" Trump to persuade these members to support Johnson.

In announcing his support, Trump stated: "The American people urgently need to be freed from the disastrous policies of the previous administration. Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hardworking, and God-fearing man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to win."