Speaker Mike Johnson says Donald Trump sang his praises, amid reports that the former president asked the House Speaker for help with his legal woes.
When asked whether Trump supported his continued speakership, which began last October after a far-right ouster of Kevin McCarthy flew the GOP’s House delegation into chaos, Johnson said that the former president had all good things to say.
“He said very complimentary things about all of us. We had sustained applause. He said I'm doing a very good job. We're grateful for that,” Johnson said, bucking the direct question. “We have to have continuity in leadership, we have to have a plan.”
Trump’s sway on the caucus at times rivals Johnson’s grip, with the candidate reportedly forcing House Republicans to kill a bipartisan border package to boost his own November ambitions.
Johnson’s apparent focus on currying the favor of the ex-president, who was found guilty of concealing hush money payments in an effort to sway the 2016 election last month, has taken priority over governance, critics say.
“Half the U.S. Congress is now weaponized, obstructing justice, and abusing power to help Trump launder away his criminality,” legal editor Luke Zaleski said on X, referencing reports that Trump asked Johnson for help in his criminal cases. “Trump owns the House. Is America next?”
Per Politico, Trump tasked Johnson with finding ways to “overturn” his criminal conviction. Also on his agenda, besides blocking and stalling bipartisan legislation, is using the investigatory powers of his chamber to attack Trump’s opponent’s administration months ahead of an election. Johnson struck two Biden officials with serious charges, impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in Contempt.
Johnson, who took to a New York City courthouse last month to cheer on Trump during his trial, still faces scrutiny from MAGA hardliners, including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who tried to organize his ouster for allowing a vote on aid to Ukraine.
