In Palm Beach, Florida, Mike Johnson stood by Donald Trump as the former president criticized efforts to remove the House speaker. Trump praised Johnson, indicating support for him over Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s push to oust him. Despite this, Greene’s campaign against Johnson still poses a threat. Trump’s comments may give pause to Republicans considering aligning with Greene.
Johnson, facing pressure from both Greene and GOP centrists, remains undecided on a Ukraine aid plan. Trump suggested providing the aid as a loan rather than a gift, criticizing Democrats in the process. Despite some disagreements, Johnson and Trump have a decent relationship, with Trump seeking Johnson’s advice on House races.
Trump’s willingness to disrupt House GOP leadership was evident when he urged Republicans to oppose a government surveillance bill negotiated by Johnson. This pattern of interference has caused delays in key legislative priorities. Johnson’s relationship with Trump has grown stronger due to his defense of the former president during his first impeachment.
After a recent press conference with Trump, Johnson made adjustments to the surveillance bill, shortening its reauthorization period. Both Johnson’s supporters and opponents of the bill believed Trump had softened his stance on the issue. Trump, while expressing some reservations, ultimately supported the revised bill during the press conference.
Overall, Trump’s influence in House GOP affairs is clear, with his public statements and interactions with Johnson impacting legislative decisions and party dynamics. “It appears that we now have a two-year deadline for this, so it would fall due early in my administration, assuming we uphold our promises made in the polls.”
Republican lawmakers were also hoping that during their meeting, Johnson could address other issues besides surveillance. House GOP centrists, like Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), wanted him to push for a commitment from the former president. Moderates like Bacon believe that Trump’s support could help secure Ukraine aid and provide political cover for Johnson, who is facing pressure on this issue.
Republican senators, who have heard Johnson express support for aiding Ukraine in private, are eager for him to take action. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged Johnson to pass the foreign assistance bill in the Senate rather than facing opposition from some Republicans. This is a significant issue that many members of Congress will be voting on.
While Johnson has not confirmed his plans to move on Ukraine aid next week, supporters are hopeful for progress. If the matter is delayed until May, it would mark a three-month delay since the Senate’s bill was passed.
Johnson faces challenges in gaining Trump’s favor and influence, as other lawmakers like Jim Jordan also maintain close ties with the former president. It is evident to many House Republicans that Johnson and Trump are still navigating their relationship, but a single disagreement may not define their dynamic.
“They never ceased to have a good working relationship,” said Rep. Brian Mast, who worked on a voting bill and hoped to attend an event at Mar-a-Lago.
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