With GOP divisions deepening, Donald Trump's ability to command party loyalty faces a defining challenge during the critical vote for Mike Johnson as Speaker, a moment conservative columnist Matt Lewis warns could shape Trump's political future.
Trump's Influence Faces Critical Test in Speaker Vote
When conservative journalist Matt Lewis made an appearance on MSNBC's "Way Too Early" with host Ali Vitali on Friday morning, he warned that it would be "game over" for Donald Trump if he was unable to persuade reluctant Republican House members to re-elect House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana).
The host questioned Lewis, who is now a contributing columnist for "The Hill," about Johnson's chances in the important vote that will take place later on Friday. Lewis was asked about Johnson's chances.
House Speaker Vote Linked to Trump's Certification Needs
"I think it is going to happen because Donald Trump needs this to happen, ultimately he needs to be certified, as you were noting earlier," Vitali said to Lewis. "I'm not sure we can certify the president without this election, without Mike Johnson or somebody becoming the speaker."
However, Lewis cautioned that this does not guarantee Johnson's survival beyond 2025. He thinks he will experience a fascinating year. It resembles assembling a Rubik's cube; some individuals can accomplish it, although he has never succeeded.
Trump's GOP Power Examined Amid Narrow House Margins
According to The Raw Story, when Lewis was asked about the claims that the president-elect would be making calls in support of the current speaker of the House, he responded by saying, "Well, look, on one hand, I think it is very clear that Donald Trump is incredibly powerful within the Republican caucus. I have never seen such slavish devotion to anybody."
Conversely, he stated that there are several aspects to consider. Firstly, Trump's power and influence have never been very transferable. Observe that when he promotes candidates for the Senate, they do not consistently achieve victory. They frequently lose.
Unanimous Support Becomes Trump's Greatest Challenge
Lewis stated that his performance record was subpar for a while, believing he improved as the game progressed. Another issue, as he stated, is the necessity for unanimity; the margin in the House is so slim that Trump could potentially secure the support of 99 percent of House members through intimidation or persuasion. However, if there are one or two individuals, such as Representative Tom Massie (R-KY), who are obstinate and undeterred, it is conclusive.
