Johnson Fights Ouster Calls Amidst Trump's Defense and House Foreign Aid Passage

House Speaker Mike Johnson faces pressure from three Republican rebels seeking his removal, despite support from former President Donald Trump. The rebels oppose Johnson's $95 billion foreign aid plan, which includes funding for Ukraine but not the U.S. border.

Amidst ongoing threats to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson, the three Republican rebels pushing for his removal have remained silent on former President Donald Trump's unwavering defense of the embattled congressional leader.

Just six months after securing the speaker's gavel, Johnson's position is already under fire after Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a resolution for a House-wide vote on his leadership. Two additional lawmakers, Representatives Thomas Massie and Paul Gosar, joined the resolution in protest of Johnson's foreign aid plan, which allocates funds for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific but excludes the U.S. border.

However, Johnson received a significant boost when Trump came to his aid, asserting that Johnson is doing his best to navigate a razor-thin House GOP majority. Trump's support has put the rebels in a precarious position, as a majority of House Republican lawmakers have expressed reluctance for another period of upheaval following McCarthy's ouster.

Spokespersons for Greene and Massie declined to comment on Trump's defense of Johnson, while Gosar's office stated he had "no comment." Both Greene and Massie have been vocal critics of Johnson's bipartisan work on issues like government spending and foreign aid.

Massie has accused Trump of "bullying" fellow Republican Representative Laurel Lee, further straining their relationship. Nonetheless, Greene and Massie maintain their opposition to Johnson.

Greene declares that it is "baffling" to hear complaints about the potential upheaval of another speaker race while Americans face significant financial challenges. Massie adds that while they do not expect to get everything they want, they will not accept "complete & total surrender."

Johnson's fate ultimately rests on Greene's actions. She could declare her motion a "privileged resolution," forcing lawmakers to take it up within two legislative days. However, House leaders currently have no obligation to bring her motion to a vote.

In a separate development, the House passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill, including funding for Ukraine, over the objections of Greene, Massie, and Gosar. The bill's passage further highlights the division within the House GOP over spending priorities.

As the pressure on Johnson mounts, all eyes are on Greene and her next move. The resolution against Johnson could force a vote on his leadership, potentially sparking another period of uncertainty and division within the House Republican ranks.