Trump Claims Mike Johnson Has 'Very Close' to Full GOP Support, But Just Two Votes Could Tank His Chances

President-elect Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind House Speaker Mike Johnson's bid to continue in his post, but his chances of succeeding are uncertain as he practically can't afford to lose any votes.

"Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support. A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgement of our 129 year most consequential Presidential Election!! - A BIG AFFIRMATION, INDEED. MAGA!" reads a publication by Trump in his social media platform, Truth Social.

Trump has said Johnson is the only Republican able to secure the speakership. "He's the one who can win right now. People like him. Almost everybody likes him," Trump said. When asked if he was calling to put pressure on holdouts, Trump said he would, if necessary, but that he believes Johnson has the votes.

However, that is far from certain: the GOP's slim majority and the resignation of now former Rep. Matt Gaetz Means the party has 219 seats in the Lower House. Considering Thomas Massie has already said he will vote against Johnson, he can't afford to lose any more votes.

Johnson has reportedly spent the week meeting with holdouts, particularly from the hardline House Freedom Caucus, to address concerns over government spending and other issues.

If Johnson fails to secure 218 votes, the vote will continue until a new speaker is elected, leaving Congress in limbo. In an interview Thursday, Johnson remained optimistic, predicting only one "no" vote and expressing confidence that he could clinch the position on the first ballot.

POLITICO reported that three lawmakers could potentially seek to replace Johnson should he fail to secure enough votes: Majority Leader Steve Scalise, GOP Whip Tom Emmer and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan. They all ran for the post in October 2023 before Johnson was elected. They dropped out after it became clear they wouldn't get the necessary support. The outlet added that their prospects haven't changed much ever since and the need to get practically all Republican votes make their chances even slimmer.