A minority of members poses a threat to a very small number of members, leaving House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) in control, even as House Republicans quickly elect a new speaker. Faced with pressure, President-elect Donald Trump is being asked to intervene. The fate of the gavel, and potentially the election certification, hangs in the balance.
“It's a formidable challenge. We've seen it play out over the last two years. It's been very difficult for Kevin McCarthy, it's been very difficult for Mike Johnson. Our conference It's going to be very difficult no matter who is elected as chairman,” Kentucky Republican Rep. James Comer told Fox News on Sunday.
“But at the end of the day, the difference between the 119th Congress and the 118th Congress is whether we get a Republican president. A strong Republican president who is very popular with Republicans and voters back home, and that's Donald. It's Trump.'' continued.
Johnson allies urge Trump to intervene as fast-paced speech battle threatens to delay 2024 certification
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump looks on at Turning Point USA's America Fest held at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 22, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
But the math is daunting for Johnson, who is unable to reach the magic number of 218, especially if several Republicans decide to vote for other candidates.
As Fox News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergrum put it, the holdup “paralyzed the House,” and if the issue continues until Jan. 6, it would prevent members from being sworn in, committees being formed, and will not even be able to certify the 2024 election results.
If the House of Representatives is still sorting out the speaker issue on January 20, when President Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated, the president pro tempore, who is the most senior member of the Senate majority party, could assume the role of “acting president.”
That means Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is “likely to take on” the role, Pergram said.
Donald Trump says Mike Johnson will 'easily remain chairman' if he acts 'firmly and decisively' on spending bill
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) speaks during a hearing with FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf at the Rayburn House Office Building on April 11, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Acknowledging the potential challenge, Comer said: “I strongly encourage Donald Trump to get on the phone with five or six members of Congress who won't commit to voting for Mike Johnson. “This will only delay our actions,” he said.
“This will delay the certification of President Trump's election. It will delay the start of the most important period of President Trump's entire term, his first 100 days in office. It's time to get things done, and I urge you, President Trump, to pick up the phone and unite everyone and work together as a team to make America great again. ”
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FOX News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
