US House elects Trump ally as speaker
House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
The U.S. House of Representatives elected Mike Johnson, a loyal ally of former President Donald Trump, as its speaker on Wednesday, ending three weeks of congressional dysfunction amid the Israel-Hamas war and a host of other challenges.
The House’s paralysis after it voted to oust Kevin McCarthy from the speakership was caused by protracted infighting among the narrow Republican majority in the 435-member lower chamber.
The speaker is second in line to the president in the event of an emergency succession, behind the vice president.
Johnson, a 51-year-old Republican from Louisiana, was the party’s fourth nominee for the post. He won 220 votes from Republicans, while all 209 Democrats present voted for their leader in the chamber, Hakeem Jeffries.
The chaotic period, triggered by a small group of Republican rebels who succeeded in their bid to oust McCarthy from the speakership, came as the United States is just over a year away from the next presidential election, with a potential rematch between Democratic incumbent Joe Biden and Trump.
Johnson, a constitutional lawyer who has little leadership experience, objected to Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory and played a pivotal role in crafting a legal argument aimed at keeping Trump in power.
Before the vote, Trump voiced his support for Johnson, writing a social media post that his “strong suggestion is to go with” him.
Despite filling the vacancy, it remains unclear whether U.S. lawmakers will be able to come together to avoid a federal government shutdown after current temporary funding expires on Nov. 17.
Among Johnson’s first tasks will be deciding on what to do with key legislation, also including Biden’s supplementary budget request worth nearly $106 billion to fund national security priorities, including more aid for Israel and Ukraine.
In the past, Johnson has voted against additional U.S. aid for Ukraine. But just after he was sworn in, the House adopted a resolution backing Israel in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
First elected in 2016, Johnson is also known for his staunchly conservative positions, such as opposing abortion and LGBTQ rights.
