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Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) plans to meet with President-elect Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on New Year’s Day to discuss “strategy,” as the top House Republican prepares for Friday’s Speaker election.
“I’m going to be with him at Mar-a-Lago on New Year’s Day,” Johnson told News Radio 710 KEEL in Shreveport, La., according to a report published Tuesday. “We’re going to map out some strategy.”
Johnson said the president-elect initially wanted to reveal his endorsement of the Speaker on New Year’s Day but moved it up to Monday.
“He wanted to take photos and do a big endorsement on that day,” the Louisiana Republican said. “I called him yesterday and said, ‘Mr. President, let’s go ahead and do that,’ so he did.”
Trump offered his “Complete & Total” endorsement of the Speaker in a Truth Social post.
“LETS NOT BLOW THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN,” the president-elect wrote. “The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration.”
“Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement,” he added.
In New Year’s Eve remarks at his Palm Beach resort, Trump also said he would make calls on Johnson’s behalf if needed, according to The New York Times. The president-elect appeared confident the congressman would hold onto his Speakership, predicting that “we’re going to get a successful vote.”
Johnson faces a tight vote Friday with a narrow House majority and at least one Republican lawmaker, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), vowing to vote against him. He can only afford to lose one GOP vote, assuming all members are present and voting for a candidate.
However, several other Republicans, such as Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Andy Harris (R-Md.) and Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), still appear to be on the fence.
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