The Johnson Détente

There are several factors working in Mike Johnson’s favor.
There are several factors working in Mike Johnson’s favor. Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images
Tina Nguyen
January 25, 2024

Despite their griping about Mike Johnson on Newsmax or Fox News, and the Democratic rubbernecking surrounding the ongoing G.O.P. civil war, there appears to be a sort of dawning recognition among Republicans on Capitol Hill that the freshman speaker isn’t going anywhere—at least not for the next several months. Sure, his decision to delay a government shutdown infuriated Freedom Caucus hardliners, especially since the stopgap bill required Democratic support. And yes, hardliners still possess the motion-to-vacate power—a parliamentary weapon of mass destruction that allows any single member to initiate a vote of no confidence.