The conservative base of the Republican Party is feeling increasingly disillusioned with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) leadership following a series of concessions made to President Joe Biden and the Democratic agenda. Former House Speaker Paul Ryan’s recent praise of Johnson’s bipartisan approach has only added fuel to the fire further widening the rift between the party’s establishment and its more conservative factions.
Ryan who now serves on the Fox Corporation’s Board of Directors stated that Johnson “found his footing, and his voice. He did it as a statesman, risking his own personal political fortune for the greater good that he believes in.” However many America First voters see Johnson’s actions as a betrayal of the principles that led to the GOP securing a majority in the House.
Punchbowl News reports that Biden has emerged as the clear “winner” of the 118th Congress having pushed through many of his 2024 priorities without making substantial concessions. These victories achieved with Johnson’s cooperation include reauthorizing FISA subsidizing the Ukraine war and avoiding impeachment.
Paul Ryan says Speaker Mike Johnson has "found his footing and his voice." pic.twitter.com/sdFJi1WcIZ
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) April 24, 2024
Members of the House Freedom Caucus are now questioning the value of a Republican majority under Johnson’s leadership. Brendan Buck a former Ryan staffer wrote in a New York Times op-ed “A party unable to bring its agenda to the floor for a vote is no longer a functional majority” a sentiment echoed by many America First lawmakers.
And voters being disillusioned with the GOP this close to the second most important election of the century is a bad place for Republicans to find themselves. Johnson has proven to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but it appears that the Democrats intend on supporting their fellow pack member, meaning an ouster is extremely unlikely in this tough set of circumstances.
