Amid escalating tensions within the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, former President Donald Trump voiced his support for embattled Speaker Mike Johnson during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
Trump commended Johnson’s leadership amidst challenging circumstances, emphasizing the need for unity within the party.
Johnson’s tenure as Speaker began after a contentious nominating battle in October, following the ouster of his predecessor Kevin McCarthy, by a faction of hardline House Republicans.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, another staunch conservative, has threatened to challenge Johnson’s leadership if he allows a vote on additional aid for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and has also opposed a surveillance bill passed by the House.
While Trump acknowledged Greene as a friend, he disapproved of her efforts to undermine Johnson, asserting that Johnson was doing an admirable job as Speaker.
Greene expressed her support for Trump but not for Johnson, highlighting the internal divisions within the party.
The public endorsement by Trump could bolster Johnson’s position within the Republican majority, which has seen repeated clashes over legislative priorities.
Johnson’s attempts to advance key bills have been thwarted by members of his own party, including recent instances of blocking the surveillance bill and impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Trump and Johnson announced a joint proposal aimed at addressing immigration issues by linking them to concerns about election integrity.
Johnson proposed legislation requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voting, alleging that illegal immigrants were being encouraged by Democrats to register to vote.
However, critics labeled the proposal as redundant and a political stunt, arguing that there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud by non-citizens.
Despite the House potentially passing such legislation, it faces uncertainty in the Democratic-majority Senate and opposition from President Joe Biden.
Analysts emphasized the lack of evidence supporting claims of widespread voter fraud by non-citizens, casting doubt on the necessity of new federal legislation.
