Trump Conditionally Supports Johnson's Speakership Based on Handling of Over 1,500-Page Spending Bill with $100 Billion in Disaster Aid

Dec 19, 2024, 02:24 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has stated that House Speaker Mike Johnson will 'easily remain speaker' for the next Congress if he acts 'decisively and tough' on the current spending bill. Trump emphasized the need for Johnson to eliminate 'all of the traps being set by Democrats' in the spending package, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize his position. This comes in the wake of a failed bipartisan deal to avoid a partial government shutdown, which was criticized by Trump and other conservatives. The spending bill, which was over 1,500 pages, aimed to extend government funding through March 14 and included more than $100 billion in disaster aid for Hurricanes Milton and Helene, as well as other provisions such as $10 billion in economic relief for farmers, health care reform measures, and a pay raise for members of Congress. Trump's comments suggest a conditional support for Johnson, contingent on his handling of the spending bill and the broader fiscal issues, including the debt ceiling.