Elise Stefanik poses a new challenge for Johnson in his battle to maintain control of the House

In an unusually dramatic episode for the 119th Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson faced public accusations from a member of his own leadership team on Tuesday, claiming he is shielding the so-called deep state. Representative Elise Stefanik openly called Johnson a liar and later joined an effort to push for a vote on legislation the speaker has previously blocked. This latest conflict highlights the growing tension within the House Republican Conference.

More House Republicans are voicing dissatisfaction with Johnson, signaling a potential erosion of his control over members, especially as the narrow majority faces the threat of losing seats in upcoming midterm elections. Representative Kevin Kiley of California described Stefaniks actions as part of a wider frustration with the Houses recent inefficiency, noting that the chamber has sometimes ceded authority and delayed key policy initiatives.

Johnson has historically maintained order within the party thanks to former President Donald Trumps influence, which helped mediate disputes. However, recent public setbacks, such as the passage of a bill requiring the Justice Department to release files on Jeffrey Epstein, suggest Johnsons control may be weakening. The outcome of Tennessees special election could further test his leadership.

Several prominent Republican women have clashed with Johnson on legislative priorities. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert were key in passing the Epstein files bill. Representative Anna Paulina Luna initiated a discharge petition for a stock trading ban, which Johnson has resisted. Additionally, concerns have been raised about handling ethical issues involving Representative Cory Mills.

Stefanik, formerly the fourth-ranking House GOP leader, resigned from her leadership post last year in anticipation of a U.N. ambassador role, which was later withdrawn by Trump. She accepted a junior leadership role from Johnson but is now pursuing a gubernatorial campaign in New York, signaling her departure from House politics. She is actively confronting Johnson in what observers describe as a scorched earth campaign.

The immediate trigger for Stefaniks public criticism was the exclusion of legislation from the defense policy bill that would require Congress to be informed about counterintelligence probes into federal candidates. Johnson attempted to de-escalate the situation, suggesting Stefanik could have resolved the matter privately. Stefanik dismissed this, accusing the speaker of routinely undermining the Republican agenda.

Other Republicans close to Stefanik indicate more members are unhappy with the Pentagon bills omissions. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan expressed support for including the protection provision but had not committed to joining Stefanik in opposing the bill.

The tension escalated when a procedural revolt led by Representative Chip Roy threatened GOP floor plans. Simultaneously, Luna launched her discharge petition for the stock trading ban, with Stefanik quickly signing on, directly challenging Johnsons authority. Members of the leadership team were reportedly shocked by Stefaniks public criticisms and her refusal to retract them.

Johnsons allies argue these dissenters are motivated by personal grievances, but Stefanik has garnered support from other discontented members, including Greene, who recently resigned and criticized both Johnson and the Houses diminished power. Greene publicly echoed Stefaniks complaints, emphasizing broken promises and ongoing dissatisfaction with Johnsons leadership.

Author: Sophia Brooks