Politics

House Republicans Continue to Back Mike Johnson as Speakers

Published

2 months ago

December 6, 2025

House Republicans Continue to Back Mike Johnson as Speakers

WASHINGTON D.C. – House Republicans insist that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is secure in his role, at least for now, even after a bruising week of public infighting, stalled bills, and raw internal anger.

Members from across the conference, from moderates to hardliners, are openly criticising their own leadership, launching procedural moves that chip away at the Louisiana Republicans’ already fragile grip on a thin majority.

The rising tension reflects a nervous House GOP, staring at narrow margins and the real risk of losing seats in the next election. That fragile backdrop increases the strain on Johnson, who must deal with a restless conference while trying to manage sensitive talks with the Senate, especially with Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).

Fading Discipline: Public Bust-Ups And Discharge Petitions

The internal strains in the Republican majority have become impossible to ignore, raising fresh doubts about Johnson’s control over his colleagues. A speaker’s power is usually measured by control over the floor schedule and party message. On both, Johnson appears to be slipping.

One of the most damaging rows featured Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), a member of Johnson’s own leadership team. The dispute was over a national security measure she backed for the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). When the provision was left out, Stefanik went public, using social media and interviews to accuse Johnson of lying and running a “rudderless” operation.

The clause was later reinserted after outside pressure, reportedly following a call involving former President Donald Trump. Even though the policy win was restored, the episode showed that senior Republicans are willing to condemn the Speaker in public and put him on the spot.

Beyond insults and public swipes, the growing use of the discharge petition as a key tactic shows a deeper breakdown in Johnson’s authority. A discharge petition lets a majority of House members (218) force a bill to the floor, going around the Speaker and the committee process. For decades, that move was rare and seen as a blunt act of rebellion against party leaders. Now it is becoming a go-to tool for restless Republicans.

A high-profile petition to force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files succeeded and secured a vote.
Another petition to bar members of Congress from trading stock, led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and backed by lawmakers such as Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), is picking up support.

As Mace has pointed out, relying on discharge petitions signals deep frustration inside the party. It lets individual MPs drive the agenda and robs the Speaker of the usual power to control which bills move, or to protect colleagues from politically risky votes.

Mike Johnson’s Tense Partnership With Senate Majority Leader Thune

While dealing with a rebellious House, Johnson also faces trouble across the Capitol in his dealings with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). Their clashes show the different pressures on each chamber. The House is pushed by more ideological politics and rapid demands from the base. The Senate puts more weight on process, cross-party alliances, and longer-term stability.

A recent example is the fight over the MEGOBARI Act, a bipartisan House bill that would put sanctions on Georgian government officials. The House backed the measure by a wide margin, but it stalled in the Senate. Johnson personally urged Thune to fold the sanctions into the annual NDAA, a must-pass defence package.

Thune refused and blocked the request. He cited objections from Republican senators who favour a softer, more incentive-based approach with the Georgian government, rather than immediate sanctions.

Aides say Thune responded with a simple “flat no”. That response underlines the limits of Johnson’s reach outside his own chamber. For a Speaker already struggling to keep his conference together, a failure to move House priorities through a Senate run by his own party adds to the image of a weakened leader. It was also the second time Thune had stood in the way of adding the MEGOBARI Act to major legislation, highlighting a clear gap between the two men’s legislative strategies.

Mike Johnson

Safe For Now, But Far From Secure

Most House Republicans say Johnson’s gavel is safe for now, but their reasons are more about fear than loyalty. The memory of the chaotic, weeks-long scramble to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy still haunts the conference. Few members, even among Johnson’s harshest critics, seem ready to repeat that spectacle with an election year fast approaching.

Security, however, is very different from stability. Johnson is boxed in on almost every side. He has to keep conservative hardliners on board, since they can topple his majority and his speakership, while also passing bills to avoid a government shutdown and keeping working ties with the Senate and the White House.

Members continue to air their grievances in public, sign on to discharge petitions, and force blow-up fights over key bills. All of these points point to a majority that struggles to function. Johnson has urged colleagues to bring complaints to him privately, but many now ignore that request. They are more focused on their own campaigns and seats than on presenting a united front.

The Speaker is racing to advance major measures, such as the Pentagon funding bill and a long-promised health care package. Those efforts will be the next big tests of his authority. With his power under constant strain and key legislative routes slipping out of his control, Mike Johnson’s future as Speaker may depend less on affection inside the GOP and more on whether he can keep this fractious majority just steady enough to reach the next election.

For those interested in his wider outlook, there is an interview with Speaker Johnson on threats to the US-led world order here: Speaker Mike Johnson on the Threats to the US-led World Order. The video sheds light on his views on foreign policy and global security, which shape much of his approach to legislation.

Up Next

Hegseth Calls WaPo Report on Venezuela Drug Boat Complete “Fake News”

Don't Miss

Ending the Indoctrination: Why School Choice Is The Only Way To Save US Education

Politics

Chatham House in Panic Over Trump and Western Alliance

Published

12 hours ago

January 21, 2026

VORNews

LONDON – In her annual lecture at Chatham House last week, Director Bronwen Maddox delivered a blunt message about the world under President Donald Trump’s second term. She said the United States is driving what she called “a revolution” in policy, and she didn’t soften the conclusion. “It is not grandiose to call this the end of the Western alliance.”

Her comments spread fast across diplomatic circles and transatlantic news outlets. They land as the Trump administration rolls out moves that, to many observers, break with decades of US-led cooperation. New tariffs aimed at European partners, sharper pressure on the Federal Reserve, and high-profile factory-focused visits at home all point to a different kind of America on the world stage. Critics like Maddox see a widening split with allies. Supporters see a course correction after years of drift.

Maddox’s talk, promoted under the theme “Trump: the end of the Western alliance?”, described a world shaped by major power rivalry, with the US and China at the center. In her view, old alliances hold less weight in this setup. She also defined the Western alliance as more than a defense pact. To her, it is a group tied by shared beliefs: personal liberty, freedom of thought and religion, constitutional democracy, and free trade.

In lines shared widely from the lecture, Maddox said the break is already happening. She described the alliance as a group of countries that once felt they shared principles, not just interests, and that those principles helped fuel prosperity and global influence.

She pointed to rising tariffs against allies and what she described as open contempt for Europe appearing in official US security language. She also raised fears about bigger escalations. Maddox said that if the US took aggressive action toward territory such as Greenland, it would breach the UN Charter and could end NATO as it exists today.

Her delivery stood out for how direct it was. After the lecture, Maddox said many Europeans had hoped the shift would fade. She argued that recent actions make that hope harder to defend.

Trump’s Detroit Stop Puts Manufacturing Front and Center

A few days before Maddox spoke, Trump visited Detroit, Michigan, on January 13, 2026. The trip highlighted his main domestic message: bring industry back and reward US workers. He toured Ford’s River Rouge Complex, long seen as a symbol of US manufacturing, then spoke to the Detroit Economic Club.

Trump praised what he called a rebound in manufacturing and linked it to tariffs and efforts to move jobs back from overseas. He pointed to low gas prices, a strong stock market, and signs that the trade deficit was narrowing. Speaking to business leaders and autoworkers, he said US workers were doing well, and the auto industry was coming back home.

Protests followed the visit, but the trip fit his “America First” storyline. Analysts say that approach collides with the post-World War II model, where US leadership often meant open markets and major security support for allies, even when it felt costly at home.

A Growing Fight With the Federal Reserve

An added source of tension is Trump’s conflict with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. In recent weeks, the administration has opened a criminal investigation into Powell, tied to testimony about the Fed’s headquarters renovation. Powell pushed back in public. He called the investigation a “pretext” meant to sway interest-rate choices, and he warned that it threatens the Fed’s independence.

The dispute has escalated in a way the Fed rarely sees. It has included subpoenas and talk of possible charges. Trump has criticized Powell for years, saying rates should drop faster to support growth, especially with tariffs reshaping trade and prices. In a rare video statement, Powell said the administration is trying to force monetary policy to match the president’s goals.

Markets have taken notice. Critics across parties warn that weakening central bank independence can raise inflation risks and add instability. Some former Fed officials and a number of Republicans have also said the pressure campaign is dangerous.

America’s Role Abroad, From Global Leader to Narrower Focus

These moves connect to a broader Trump argument: that the US has been in decline for decades and needs a reset. The administration’s direction puts more weight on domestic industry, less dependence on foreign supply chains, and tougher demands on allies. Backers describe it as moving the US toward a more regional focus, instead of acting as the main global backstop.

Supporters say the shift is meant to help households and workers. Policy ideas floated in recent weeks include a one-year cap of 10% on credit card interest rates, a ban on large institutional investors buying single-family homes, and healthcare changes aimed at lower premiums and drug costs through direct payments and more price transparency.

Trump has also talked about lowering electricity costs through deals with tech firms, along with other cost-of-living steps, including possible stimulus checks. Those ideas have drawn pushback from industries such as banking and drug makers.

Maddox and other critics argue that this kind of one-sided approach comes at the worst time. They say China’s rise calls for tighter coordination among US and European partners. In her view, even if some moves strengthen the US in the short term, driving away allies can hand rivals more room to grow.

Across Europe, the message is sinking in that a more inward-looking America may not be a temporary phase. Calls are growing for stronger European independence on defense and foreign policy. Maddox urged the UK and other countries to take firmer positions toward both Washington and Beijing.

Debate continues over whether Trump’s changes will rebuild US strength or speed up global fragmentation. Maddox’s lecture offered a clear marker either way: the post-1945 order that many leaders treated as stable now looks like it is breaking apart.

Politics

President Trump Addresses ICE Actions Amid Minnesota Unrest

Published

13 hours ago

January 21, 2026

VORNews

Trump Addresses ICE Actions Amid Minnesota Unrest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump backed aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Minnesota during a tense White House press briefing on January 20, 2026.

His comments came as protests over federal immigration raids grew into major unrest across the Twin Cities. The push is part of a large federal effort called Operation Metro Surge, which has sent thousands of agents into the state and triggered riots, lawsuits, and a nationwide political fight.

During a long briefing that marked one year into his second term, Trump praised ICE operations in Minnesota. He said agents had made more than 3,000 arrests of people he described as criminal suspects in recent weeks. He framed ICE agents as loyal public servants doing tough work, while saying errors can happen when situations move fast.

Trump also spoke about the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident who was killed earlier in January during an ICE action. He called the death “a tragedy” and said he felt “horribly” when he heard about it. He added that he understood “both sides,” but argued agents often work in dangerous conditions and shouldn’t be blamed without context.

Insurrection Act Talk, Court Limits, and DOJ Appeal

Trump described some anti-ICE protesters as “insurrectionists,” comparing the unrest to past episodes of violence. He signaled he could consider using the Insurrection Act if the situation worsens.

Protests have included disruptions at public events, calls for economic blackouts from labor unions and community groups, and clashes with federal personnel. A federal judge recently issued an injunction that limits certain enforcement tactics, including arrests of peaceful demonstrators and the use of crowd-control measures without clear justification. The Department of Justice has appealed that order.

Operation Metro Surge has centered heavily on neighborhoods with large Somali immigrant communities. That focus has drawn strong criticism from local leaders, including Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who represents the area. Trump has made Minnesota a central testing ground for his mass deportation plans, deploying about 3,000 federal agents even as state officials pushed back.

Tensions have grown as Rep. Ilhan Omar and her husband, Tim Mynett, face scrutiny from House Republicans and federal authorities over their personal finances. The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), opened an inquiry into what Republicans call Omar’s “skyrocketing family wealth.”

Disclosures, Rose Lake Capital, and Fraud Questions

Financial disclosures from 2024 reportedly show a sharp jump in household assets. The increase is tied to Mynett’s consulting firm, Rose Lake Capital LLC, with values reportedly rising from small amounts to between $5 million and $25 million in a short span. Some reports claim the couple’s net worth may have reached $30 million.

Investigators are reviewing whether the gains were properly reported under federal ethics rules and whether they connect to wider concerns in the district. Those concerns include a reported $9 billion fraud scandal tied to Somali social services.

Trump has publicly called Omar “crooked,” tying the investigation to claims of fraud and questionable business dealings. Omar has denied being a millionaire and says Republicans are targeting her for political reasons. The Oversight probe could lead to subpoenas for Mynett, adding another layer to the ongoing fight over ethics and transparency in Washington.

Trump also used the briefing to revive his long-running push to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory. He threatened new tariffs on several European countries as pressure for a deal.

He said the US plans to impose a 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, and the United Kingdom starting February 1, 2026. He warned the rate would rise to 25% by June 1 if no agreement is reached for what he called the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland.

Europe Calls It Blackmail as Retaliation Plans Form

The tariff threat has angered European leaders, with some calling it “blackmail.” The EU is preparing possible countermeasures, including the use of its anti-coercion tool, which could target US exports or limit market access.

The standoff has shaken markets and added strain inside NATO. Leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signaled they’re ready to respond if the tariffs take effect. Trump first floated the Greenland idea in his first term, and it has returned as a clear sign of his hardline approach abroad.

Together, the Minnesota ICE crackdown, the investigations surrounding Omar, and the tariff fight with Europe show how turbulent the start of 2026 has been under Trump’s second administration. It’s a mix of domestic enforcement battles at home and economic pressure campaigns overseas.

Politics

Jasmine Crockett Accused of Pandering After Appearing With Drag Queen Drag

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

VORNews

HOUSTON, Texas – U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) drew heavy online attention after she appeared at a RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party in Houston on January 17, 2026. The event was hosted by local drag performer Rachel Bitchface and doubled as a fundraiser for Meals on Heels, a group that provides meals to people in need across the Houston area. Organizers raised $1,150, beating a $900 goal.

Jasmine Crockett, known for speaking out on LGBTQ+ rights, joined the crowd and even took the stage for karaoke. Video from the night shows her singing Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name” and talking with attendees.

The appearance landed as Crockett pushes for the Democratic nomination in the 2026 Texas U.S. Senate race. She announced her run in late 2025 and has framed her campaign as a challenge to business-as-usual politics. Her pitch focuses on everyday Texans, with messaging that stresses independence from strict party-line thinking.

With the Democratic primary set for March 3, 2026, Crockett is also facing competition inside her own party, including State Rep. James Talarico. In a high-stakes statewide race, turnout across key groups could make the difference.

Jasmine Crockett Supporters Say It Fits Her Track Record

Jasmine Crockett has a public record of backing LGBTQ+ priorities in Congress, including support for marriage equality protections, gender-affirming care, and anti-discrimination measures. She has also been recognized for that work, including receiving the Eleanor Holmes Norton Civil Rights & Justice Award at the Center for Black Equity’s BE Gala.

Supporters say her stop at the Houston watch party matches that history. To them, it looked like real community time, not a one-off campaign move.

The watch party took place at a nightclub and mixed entertainment with fundraising. Rachel Bitchface introduced Crockett warmly, and attendees shared clips that spread fast on social media. Much of the online buzz focused on the karaoke moment and Crockett’s interactions with the crowd.

Conservative commentators and online critics framed the visit as political theater aimed at boosting LGBTQ+ support ahead of a tight primary and a tough general election. The Gateway Pundit mocked the appearance, spotlighting the karaoke performance and arguing it won’t play well with many Texas voters.

Pandering Claims Disputed

Posts on social platforms added fuel, with some users calling it pandering and others saying it could turn off more moderate voters in a state that often rewards conservative candidates.

Commentators on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) also tied the moment to campaign pressure. Some pointed to survey results that show Jasmine Crockett performing strongly with Black voters but weaker with white Democrats in the primary.

Critics argue that focusing too much on smaller or targeted voting blocs, including LGBTQ+ communities, could narrow her path in a statewide contest.

Defenders push back with a simple point: showing up isn’t a stunt when it lines up with years of policy work. They also point to the fundraiser angle, saying the hunger-relief goal gets ignored when the story is framed as a culture-war fight.

Texas has been a difficult state for Democrats in recent Senate races, with Republicans holding the advantage statewide. Crockett’s campaign talks about economic concerns, family support, and pushing back on extremes. Still, high-visibility moments like a drag watch party appearance can draw outsized attention and trigger familiar culture-war arguments.

As the primary season moves forward, Crockett’s challenge is clear: keep core supporters energized while also building a wider coalition. Whether this Houston appearance helps boost LGBTQ+ turnout or becomes fodder for attack ads later will depend on how voters read it in the months ahead.