Mike Johnson Re-elected House Speaker with Trump's Backing, Vows to 'Dismantle Deep State' via 'Big, Beautiful' Bill

Jan 5, 2025, 03:12 PM

Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, has been re-elected as Speaker of the US House of Representatives after narrowly securing the necessary votes on the first ballot, following last-minute negotiations and intervention by President-elect Donald Trump. Trump personally called Republican lawmakers to secure Johnson's re-election, highlighting Johnson's commitment to advancing Trump's agenda. Facing a paper-thin majority, Johnson plans to introduce a single comprehensive reconciliation bill—described as a "big, beautiful bill"—encompassing key priorities such as border security, mass deportations, energy deregulation, and extending the 2017 tax cuts. Johnson declared, "We're going to be dismantling the deep state all along the way." Despite concerns from some Republicans, notably Senator Lindsey Graham, who warned that holding border security hostage to tax cuts is "playing Russian roulette" with national security, Johnson is pushing forward with the combined bill strategy. With 15 days until Trump's inauguration, Johnson emphasized the urgency of advancing the agenda.