As House Speaker Mike Johnson seeks to maintain his leadership, internal divisions within the Republican party are surfacing. Representative Chip Roy of Texas has publicly expressed his uncertainty regarding his support for Johnson, drawing criticism from fellow Republican Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin.
President-elect Donald Trump's endorsement of Johnson notwithstanding, Roy voiced his doubts about Johnson securing the necessary votes in the upcoming Friday vote during a Fox Business interview. This uncertainty has fueled tensions, with Van Orden taking to social media platform X to criticize Roy's position.
Van Orden's post emphasized Trump's electoral mandate and contrasted it with Roy's lack thereof, accusing Roy of prioritizing personal branding over the "America First" agenda. Van Orden further argued that true leadership requires the ability to follow, suggesting that Roy needs to recognize Johnson's leadership position, particularly given Trump's imminent return to the White House.
Left: Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) speaks to media at the U.S. Capitol on December 19, 2024. Right: Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) arrives at a House Republican Conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol on May 22, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Fox News Digital sought comment from Roy's office regarding Van Orden's remarks. Meanwhile, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has stated his intention to vote against Johnson's speakership bid, further complicating the situation.
Roy, while remaining undecided on Johnson, has called for changes. He highlighted his own refusal to vote with Democrats on substantial spending bills and contrasted it with other Republicans who did. He framed his current indecision as a gesture of goodwill towards both Johnson and Trump, emphasizing his hope that a strong agenda can be achieved. However, he stressed the necessity for change within the party.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) outside the U.S. Capitol after votes before the August recess on July 25, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)
Johnson's path to securing the speakership is uncertain, with Massie's opposition and Roy's wavering support posing significant obstacles. If another Republican joins Massie in opposing Johnson, his chances could be severely diminished.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) outside the U.S. Capitol on December 18, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)
Fox News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram has outlined the requirements for winning the speakership, emphasizing the need for an outright majority of votes cast for a specific candidate. He illustrated a scenario where even a small number of dissenting Republicans could prevent Johnson from reaching the required threshold.
