(TargetLiberty.org) – Former President Trump expressed his support for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, amidst challenges from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.)—one of Trump’s staunchest Capitol Hill allies—who has threatened to initiate a vote to remove the House leader.
Trump, appearing with Johnson, responded to queries about Greene’s intentions to deploy a motion to vacate—a procedural tool previously used against former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Trump praised Johnson’s performance, stating, “The Speaker is doing a very good job. We get along very well, and I also have a good relationship with Marjorie. She’s a great friend and respects the Speaker a lot.”
At the event, Trump reiterated his support, acknowledging Johnson’s adept handling of the role under challenging conditions. “I stand with the Speaker. We’ve had a very good relationship,” Trump added, emphasizing the complex dynamics of Johnson’s election as Speaker.
This endorsement came after Greene, a fervent supporter of Trump, filed the motion to vacate, claiming that Johnson was unfit to lead the House GOP conference. The timing of her planned vote remains uncertain, leaving Johnson and the broader House in suspense amid significant legislative activities.
Johnson and Trump also used the press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, to introduce legislation prohibiting non-U.S. citizens from voting—a redundancy, as this is already established law. Politically, this event was crucial for Johnson to demonstrate unity with Trump, especially as he navigates tensions with more conservative factions within the House who disapprove of his bipartisan approaches to legislation.
Trump’s commendations are likely to complicate Greene’s efforts to unseat Johnson. She downplayed the significance of the joint appearance, noting, “President Trump meets with people all the time. I’m not involved in his meetings, and it’s natural for our top presidential candidate to meet with our Republican Speaker.”
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, remarked on Thursday that Trump’s full backing could significantly bolster Johnson’s position. “If Trump gave his full support, it would indeed be helpful,” he stated.
Trump’s remarks also followed attempts to influence House actions on reauthorizing the U.S.’s warrantless surveillance capabilities and increasing aid to Ukraine—both contentious issues in the House. Trump actively campaigned against the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), leading to a failed procedural vote that embarrassed Johnson.
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