Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has taken a stand against President-elect Trump’s endorsement of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), showing open disapproval by likening him to President Joe Biden.
“I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan,” Massie stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Massie accused Johnson of collaborating with Democrats on funding Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, enabling domestic surveillance, and failing to maintain fiscal responsibility.
According to him, Johnson has faltered when it comes to managing the budget.
His remarks came soon after Trump extended his “Complete & Total Endorsement” to Johnson earlier that same day.
Trump praised Johnson as a “good, hard working, religious man” and expressed confidence he would uphold America First principles.
“We will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
For Massie, however, this endorsement wasn’t convincing. He made it clear he wouldn’t back Johnson for Speaker, insisting Trump’s influence wouldn’t change his position.
Adding fuel to the fire, Massie criticized current Republican attitudes in a follow-up post that compared them to their counterparts across th aisle.
“For months Democrats ignored the fact that Joe Biden was a potato. They convinced themselves that keeping him around was the pragmatic way to win the day,” he tweeted.
“Too late did they admit the emperor had no clothes. Republicans are doing the same thing by keeping Speaker Mike Johnson,” Massie added.
Yet, others in the Republican Party seem less critical. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) indicated that Trump’s endorsement might have already tipped the scales in Johnson’s favor, saying, “The die has been cast.”
Burchett, who appeared on Fox News, seemed to lean toward supporting Johnson but was careful not to commit fully.
“I think he ultimately will [get enough votes],” Burchett said, while still reserving his final decision until Friday’s vote.
“I’ll talk to Mike some and maybe President Trump even, and discuss some ideas and issues that I have,” he added.
Though noncommittal, Burchett spoke positively of Johnson’s values and their relationship, describing the Speaker as a “good friend” while specifically admiring his religious convictions.
Support for Johnson appears to be crucial as the vote draws near. The dynamics are fragile—if Massie votes against him, Johnson can only afford to lose one more vote, assuming all House members are present and vote.
On his part, Johnson made his gratitude publicly known for Trump’s backing, sharing his thoughts on X.
“Thank you, President Trump! I’m honored and humbled by your support, as always,” he penned.
“Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America. The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work!”
Massie is absolutely correct about Johnson. He came in using his “Christian man” disguise which is supposed to mask what his policies really are. He is just another Rino like his predecessors Kevin McCarthy, Paul Ryan and John Boehner. All they ever did was use the “continuing resolution” to always allow the demonRATS to get most of what they want. This threat of a “governmenr shutdown” is really getting old. It is time people get to see what really happens during one. So much of the budget spending is on “auto-pilot” very little ever gets affected. If private households made their budgets the way the government crooks do there would be no households left. Review every budget item to see if it is even necessary before voting for each one separately. That is how it is supposed to be but that would then STOP all of the nonsense spending better known as “pork barrel B.S”. l