Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump is set to meet with the House GOP conference this Thursday, according to two Republican insiders familiar with the planning. This meeting comes just weeks before the party’s convention and will be held at a Republican-only club on Capitol Hill. Trump has garnered substantial support from most Republican House members, solidifying his influence within the party.
Key Meetings and Agenda
Trump is also scheduled to have discussions with Senate Republicans this week. Senate GOP Conference Chair John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) indicated that the meetings will focus on their “strategic governing agenda in 2025.”
The full Republican conference meeting is planned for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, though the exact location remains undisclosed.
Speaker Mike Johnson’s Crucial Moment
This meeting is pivotal for Speaker Mike Johnson, who has frequently relied on his relationship with Trump to navigate attacks from his right flank and push through challenging legislation in the GOP’s narrow House majority. Trump has previously defended Johnson against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who attempted to remove Johnson from the speakership.
However, Johnson faces legislative pressures on Trump’s behalf. Greene has been advocating for defunding special counsel Jack Smith, who is investigating Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Although Johnson initially dismissed the idea in an interview with POLITICO Playbook, he has shown signs of warming to it as Trump voiced his support.
Upcoming Strategy Sessions
Johnson will have more face time with Trump days later at Mar-a-Lago, accompanied by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), the chair of the House GOP campaign arm. This visit, first reported by Axios, is part of the party’s preparation for a series of upcoming primary battles.
Impact on Primary Races
In a similar meeting earlier this year, Johnson and Hudson collaborated with Trump to strategize on handling various primary races. This included deciding whether to endorse candidates or asking Trump to refrain from attacking those he felt had wronged him. The outcome of that March meeting influenced races that could have significantly altered the House’s composition, either by adding more hardliners who often challenge leadership or risking the loss of winnable seats.
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