One of the most tumultuous sessions of Congress in modern history is set to give way to an equally contentious new chapter as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House. The midnight passage of a stopgap government funding bill brought to light deep political divides in Washington, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) struggling to maintain his leadership amid mounting criticism from both sides of the aisle.
The funding package, passed with bipartisan support, averted a government shutdown for now and provided $100 billion in disaster relief. While the deal showcased the ability of Congress to function under duress, it also highlighted the challenges awaiting the GOP as it assumes full control of the House and Senate in the new year.
READ: House Passes Bill To Avert Government Shutdown And Provide Disaster Relief
“Tonight, the Senate delivers more good news for America. There will be no government shutdown right before Christmas,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on the Senate floor ahead of final passage. “This is a good bill. It’ll keep the government open, and helps Americans affected by hurricanes and natural disasters, helps our farmers and avoid harmful cuts.”
“After a chaotic few days in the House, it’s good news that the bipartisan approach in the end prevailed. It’s a good lesson for next year. Both sides have to work together,” he added.
But next year promises to be a different story, with Republicans aiming to pursue a hardline agenda that includes deep spending cuts, tax reductions, and funding Trump’s border security plans. Speaker Johnson, who must secure his leadership position in a January 3 vote, faces an uphill battle to unify his party amid internal divisions.
The January 3 vote to elect the Speaker of the House will be the first major test of Johnson’s tenure, and his grasp on the gavel appears increasingly tenuous. Johnson’s rise to the position came after Republicans, led by former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in October, but the recent government funding negotiations have exposed the limits of his influence over the GOP majority.
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“It’s always the big question, right?” Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), a member of the House Freedom Caucus told the AP. “Ultimately, and let’s be honest, that’s going to be — a large portion of that — will be up to Donald J. Trump.”
Trump has signaled support for Johnson, praising his efforts during the funding negotiations and highlighting their close working relationship. Johnson has worked diligently to stay in Trump’s favor, attending events at Mar-a-Lago and appearing alongside the president-elect at public venues.
Trump told Fox News Digital that Johnson will “easily remain speaker” for the next Congress if he “acts decisively and tough” and eliminates “all of the traps being set by Democrats.”
However, Johnson’s hold on power is precarious. His slim majority has been further weakened by losses in the fall elections, and some members of his own party have openly questioned his ability to lead. Critics within the GOP, including Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), have expressed frustration over the spending bill’s content and process, with Harris saying he is “undecided” on Johnson’s leadership in the upcoming Congress.
Adding another layer of complexity is the role of billionaire Elon Musk, who used his social media platform, X, to rally opposition against Johnson’s original funding proposal that was packed with “pork.”
Musk’s criticisms, amplified by his millions of followers and users on the platform, helped sink the initial bill, forcing Johnson to abandon key provisions, including a debt ceiling increase requested by Trump.
Immediately following the passage of the stopgap measure Friday, Johnson spoke with reporters and said, “I was in constant contact with, with President Trump throughout this process spoke with him. Most recently about 45 minutes ago…he knew exactly what we were doing and why…and this is a good outcome for the country. I think he certainly is happy about this outcome as well.”
“Elon Musk, and I talked to within about an hour ago, And uh, and we talked about the extraordinary challenges of this job, and I said, ‘hey you want to be speaker of the House,’ I don’t know,” Johnson said in a jokingly manner.
Not everyone is thrilled.
“The precedent that has been set today in Congress should upset every American,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who criticized Musk’s influence on X. “It appears that from now on no major legislation can be passed without the approval of the wealthiest person in this country. That’s not democracy, that’s oligarchy.”
Trump’s Role in Shaping GOP Unity
Trump’s influence looms large over the upcoming speakership vote. His endorsement helped Johnson secure the gavel in November after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted amid similar intraparty conflict. Trump’s continued support for Johnson, along with direct communication during legislative negotiations, has been pivotal in maintaining the Speaker’s standing.
Yet, tensions between Trump’s policy priorities and the demands of House GOP members are likely to grow. Trump’s push to include a debt ceiling increase in the short-term funding bill to avoid Democratic leverage in his administration was met with resistance from fiscal conservatives.
READ: President Biden Signs Stopgap Funding Bill, Avoiding Government Shutdown
An eventual compromise included plans for $2.5 trillion in spending cuts, adding complexity to Johnson’s legislative agenda in the new Congress.
Johnson faces a daunting task in Trump’s first 100 days as president, with Republicans aiming to pass an ambitious legislative agenda. Key priorities include extending Trump-era tax cuts, advancing border security measures, and implementing budget reconciliation to address fiscal challenges.
Complicating matters further, several GOP members are expected to join Trump’s cabinet, narrowing Johnson’s majority until special elections fill their seats. “It’s gonna be a fist fight on every vote,” said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.).
Despite the challenges, Johnson expressed optimism about his role. “Being Speaker of the House is a challenge in this modern era, but it’s a challenge that we accept,” he said Friday. “It’s an important job at a hugely consequential moment for the country.”
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