Media reports and political analysis

Trump-Backed Mike Johnson Reelected as House Speaker in 218-215 Vote

Jan 3, 2025, 09:17 PM

Mike Johnson was reelected as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, securing a 218-215 vote after initial resistance from within his party. Two Republican representatives, Ralph Norman and Keith Self, switched their votes in favor of Johnson following discussions with President-elect Donald Trump, who had expressed strong support for him. Thomas Massie was the only GOP member to vote against Johnson. In his victory speech, Johnson pledged to advance Trump's 'America First' agenda, including cutting government size, rolling back the administrative state, and finishing the border wall. Trump congratulated Johnson on his re-election, stating that Johnson received an 'unprecedented Vote of Confidence in Congress' and that the country would benefit from his leadership.