Speaker Mike Johnson successfully navigated a Republican budget resolution through the House this week, despite facing potential defeat just moments prior. This event highlighted his tenuous control over a divided majority and his reliance on President Trump to rally support among party members.
Johnson indicated that he had no alternative plan if the budget proposal failed, emphasizing that he was counting on Trump's influence to sway hesitant Republicans. Following the vote, he acknowledged Trump's significant role in securing the necessary votes, stating, "The president was a big help." This situation illustrates Johnson's increasing dependence on Trump to manage the complexities of his slim majority and the diverse viewpoints within his party.
Trump's direct intervention was evident when he spoke with Representative Tim Burchett, who was among the last Republicans considering a "no" vote, for 15 minutes before he ultimately voted in favor of the bill. Another holdout, Representative Victoria Spartz, was seen in tears while conversing with Trump, later expressing her trust in his leadership regarding health care initiatives.
The budget vote mirrored the earlier election of Johnson as speaker, where he also faced near defeat before Trump intervened to persuade holdouts. This pattern of reliance on Trump is not new; Johnson's predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, similarly acknowledged Trump's influence during his own acceptance speech as speaker earlier this year.
Johnson received recognition for his bold decision to bring the resolution to the floor without guaranteed votes. Brendan Buck, a former adviser to previous speakers, noted the courage it took for Johnson to confront dissenting members and achieve a successful outcome.
On social media, Trump expressed satisfaction with the vote, labeling it a significant victory for Johnson and the country. Representative Tom Emmer, the No. 3 House Republican, underscored the party's dependence on Trump, referring to their control of the House, Senate, and White House as the "Trump trifecta."
In a news conference, Johnson issued a subtle warning to any Republican who might oppose Trump, stating that everyone should want to be aligned with the fiscal plan rather than against it. Some House Republicans representing competitive districts sought to justify their votes for the budget by leveraging Trump's commitment to protect Medicaid, despite the proposed cuts.
Democrats have criticized the budget resolution, arguing that it sets the stage for unprecedented cuts to Medicaid. Johnson acknowledged that passing the budget was only the initial step in a complex legislative process, noting that he would need to address the concerns of wavering members as the Senate deliberates on the proposal.
Experts suggest that the resolution may not align with what the Senate can approve, indicating that the process will become increasingly challenging for Johnson moving forward.