Amid the ongoing government shutdown that commenced on October 1, President Donald Trump has been reportedly making private remarks that suggest he wields considerable influence over House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). According to sources cited by The New York Times, Trump has quipped that he is effectively "the speaker and the president," implying that Johnson's decisions are merely echoes of his own directives.
This perception of control has gained traction as the government shutdown persists, with critics arguing that Johnson has transformed the speakership into a mere extension of Trump's will. The alignment between Johnson's legislative actions and the White House's policies is evident in areas such as government spending, immigration, and education reform.
Johnson's support for Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," a comprehensive spending initiative, is a testament to his commitment to the "America First" agenda. Furthermore, his efforts to maintain Republican unity on key issues like border security, energy independence, and abortion restrictions underscore his allegiance to the administration's priorities.
Democratic leaders, however, have voiced concerns over Johnson's loyalty, suggesting it undermines the Constitution and democratic processes. Representative Adelita Grijalva's accusations of "unlawful breach" come in the wake of Johnson's refusal to swear her in, thereby preventing her from casting a crucial vote in a House petition related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The standoff has intensified with Johnson's refusal to reconvene the House, demanding that Democrats acquiesce to Republican budget proposals favored by the Trump administration. In the interim, Johnson has taken to the media to defend the president and assail his detractors.
Johnson's support extends to Trump's controversial decisions, including the pardon of former Congressman George Santos, convicted of fraud, and Trump's $230 million lawsuit against the Justice Department, which Johnson deems a legitimate reaction to years of politically motivated inquiries.
Additionally, Johnson has faced criticism for lauding Trump's contentious demolition of the White House East Wing, with plans to erect a new ballroom in its stead. Despite the backlash, Johnson's staunch support for Trump during the shutdown has fueled assertions that the president's hold over congressional Republicans is unyielding, with even the highest office in the House seemingly answering to him.
