After the House passed a spending bill to avert a government shutdown, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) appeared confident in declaring that President-elect Donald Trump was satisfied with the outcome. Behind closed doors, however, sources close to Trump reveal a starkly different picture.
Not only is Trump reportedly displeased with the deal, which failed to address his demands for a debt ceiling hike, but he is also growing increasingly critical of Johnson’s ability to lead the House through challenging legislative battles.
Trump’s Discontent with the Spending Deal
Trump insiders describe the president-elect as blindsided by Johnson’s negotiations with Democrats and disappointed with the chaos surrounding the deal. Trump had made it clear in post-election discussions that raising the debt ceiling was a top priority to avoid giving Democrats leverage over his legislative agenda in 2025.
One Trump confidant shared, “The president is upset — he wanted the debt ceiling dealt with.” Another insider criticized Johnson’s leadership, claiming, “No one thinks he’s strong. No one says, ‘Damn, this guy’s a fighter.’”
The discontent escalated after Johnson assured Trump’s team that he had the votes to pass a debt ceiling deal, only for the measure to fail when 38 Republicans voted against it. The fallout left Trump feeling that Johnson had made him appear weak.
The Perception of Weakness
Johnson’s perceived unwillingness to consider a holiday-season government shutdown—a move Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance were reportedly open to—further strained their relationship. While Johnson ultimately secured passage of a slimmer continuing resolution with bipartisan support, it excluded Trump’s debt ceiling demand, fueling doubts about his ability to meet Trump’s expectations.
One Republican aide remarked, “A shutdown would have bogged Republicans down and risked delaying Trump’s swearing-in. But Johnson’s inability to deliver on Trump’s priorities makes him look weak.”
Trump’s Next Move: To Back or Abandon Johnson?
As the Jan. 3 vote for speaker approaches, Johnson faces an uphill battle to retain the gavel. Trump has yet to publicly call for Johnson’s removal, but his lukewarm support leaves the speaker vulnerable. Should Trump decide not to rally behind him, Johnson may struggle to secure the necessary 218 votes.
While some MAGA-aligned figures, such as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), are defending Johnson, others in Trump’s inner circle are already questioning whether a stronger ally is needed in the speaker’s chair. Trump is reportedly weighing the risks of a prolonged speakership battle, which could delay the certification of his Jan. 6 victory and stall his legislative agenda.
What’s at Stake?
Trump’s legislative priorities, including a border security bill he aims to sign within his first 30 days, hang in the balance. The uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s leadership could jeopardize the president-elect’s ability to hit the ground running after his inauguration.
For now, Trump appears content to let events unfold, as he evaluates whether Johnson can demonstrate the “decisive and tough” leadership he demands. But as one insider put it, “Trump now sees [Johnson] as waffling and weak.” Whether that perception changes in the coming weeks may determine Johnson’s political fate.
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