Republican Mike Johnson narrowly won re-election as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in the first round on Friday, defeating the far-right GOP in a tense clash and buoyed by a nod of support from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
A disturbing scene marks the ominous beginning of the first day of the new Congress. A small group of hard-line Republicans gathered in the back of the House chamber and, one by one, declined to vote or chose another lawmaker for the job.
Johnson's face turned grim, confirming the new confusion and signaling trouble to come under unified GOP control in Washington.
Ultimately, however, Johnson managed to flip his two remaining opponents to support him, drawing applause from Republicans. The score was 218-215.
In his first speech, Johnson promised to “reject business as usual” when Republicans take power.
“We are going to drastically reduce the size and scope of government,” he promised.
A tense scene on what is usually a solemn day
Johnson's weak grip on the gavel threatens not only his own survival but also Trump's ambitious agenda of tax cuts and mass deportations as Republicans come to power. Even his close alliance and support from Trump himself, usually a sure thing for Republicans, did not guarantee that Johnson would be able to regain the speaker's role.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jefferies tried to push past the disarray among Republicans over the past two years, saying it was time to unite and put aside partisan politics “to get things done” for the American people.
What was once a ceremonial day when newly elected lawmakers arrived to take the oath of office, often accompanied by family, friends and children, has evolved into a high-stakes vote for speaker of the House of Representatives, one of the most powerful elected positions in Washington. Vice President Kamala Harris administered the oath of office to senators.
While the Senate can meet on its own and has already elected party leaders – Sen. John Thune as Republican majority leader and Sen. Chuck Schumer as Democratic minority leader – the House must first elect its speaker, which is required by the U.S. Constitution, second in line of succession to the president.
Facing opposition from his GOP colleagues, Johnson arrived at Capitol Hill with apparent confidence after working late into the night to convince hard-line supporters. Johnson's defeat could throw a wrench into Monday's congressional certification of Trump's 2024 election victory without the House speaker.