Trump reveals why he continues to cling to controversial chairman Mike Johnson despite Republican reaction

President-elect Donald Trump has indicated that House Speaker Mike Johnson’s job is safe because it is the path of least resistance.

Trump was asked about an upcoming speaker battle as he arrived at his New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday evening, with Melania Trump at his side.

Johnson can only lose one vote to retain the gavel, and Representative Thomas Massie has already indicated he will not support him.

“He’s the one who can win now,” Trump told reporters. “People like him, almost everyone likes him.”

“Others are also very good,” the new president continued. “But there are thirty to forty people who don’t like it.”

Trump said he would call members if he had to, but predicted that wouldn’t be necessary.

“Oh, I think they’ll support Speaker Johnson,” Trump said. “I think we’re going to have a great time in Washington. I think we’re going to get great support.”

Trump was expected to host Johnson at Mar-a-Lago on New Year’s Day, the speaker previously told a radio station in Louisiana.

Trump noted that the Louisiana Republican was a “good man.”

“He’s a great person and that’s what you need,” Trump added.

Congress returns for another session on Friday, ahead of two key dates: January 6, when both houses will certify Trump’s election victory, and January 20, Trump’s second inauguration.

When Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives in the 2022 elections, 2023 began with a protracted battle for speakers, despite Republican leader Kevin McCarthy being the heir apparent for the position for years.

McCarthy finally got the votes on the 15th try — an embarrassing way to start his term.

Even more leadership drama occurred in October, when former Rep. Matt Gaetz filed a motion to resign, ousting McCarthy from the top position.

Johnson became the next speaker of the House of Representatives after several other contenders flamed out.

Heading into this session, Republicans’ majority in the House of Representatives is even smaller, especially as Trump has selected several lawmakers for Cabinet positions.

Some Trump allies have warned that the speakership must be settled quickly to avoid another dramatic Jan. 6 — albeit hopefully without any violence.

House Speaker Mike Johnson can only handle losing two Republican members of the House of Representatives in Friday’s vote, otherwise chaos could ensue in the caucus — including a delay in certifying President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory on January 6.

“I strongly encourage Donald Trump to get on the phone with the five or six members who don’t want to vote for Mike Johnson because this will only delay us,” said House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer. told Fox News.

“It’s going to delay the certification of President Trump’s election. It will delay the start of his first 100 days in office, which is the most important time frame of his entire presidency. Historically, that’s when you get the most done, so I strongly encourage President Trump to get on the phone and try to get everyone united so we can work together as a team and make America great again,” Comer urged.

Without the election of a Speaker, the House cannot do anything.

Members cannot be sworn in, committees cannot be formed, and Congress cannot certify elections, which require members from both chambers.

If there were a stalemate that lasted throughout Inauguration Day, the Senate president pro tempore, in this case 91-year-old Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, would become “acting president” until Trump was properly sworn in.