House GOP turns against Speaker Johnson as tensions escalate

Since his surprising rise to the role two years ago, Speaker Mike Johnson has repeatedly navigated political storms. However, he now confronts perhaps the most challenging period of his leadership, with criticism coming from both conservative and moderate Republicans and minimal backing from President Donald Trump.

For the moment, Johnsons position remains secure, as House Republicans are reluctant to trigger a leadership battle given their narrow majority. Yet, his ability to retain control of the conference after the 2026 midterms is uncertain and may depend heavily on Trumps support.

Lawmakers across the GOP spectrum are privately pressing for a shift in Johnsons leadership approach. Some openly criticize him, turning him into a target to voice their own concerns, which limits his ability to maneuver strategically. Recently, members have approached Johnson on the House floor, demanded private meetings, and called his office, urging more assertive action on legislation, particularly on economic issues and affordability.

Rep. Kevin Kiley, a California Republican considered vulnerable, told colleagues that the House leadership must adopt a more proactive approach to guide the chamber effectively. In private discussions, members warned Johnson that his influence was "slipping," morale was "at an all-time low," and frustration within the conference was "boiling over."

Johnsons difficulties have been mounting for weeks. Some members exploit procedural tools to advance their personal agendas, while others blame him for perceived missteps, including handling of the nationwide redistricting conflict and the Houses extended recess during the record-breaking government shutdown. The party also faces pressure to address expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies before the end of the year, amid disagreement over how to tackle health care in an election-year context.

The GOP is experiencing broader challenges: Trumps approval ratings have dipped, and legislative priorities have been dominated by past agenda items, such as the administrations major domestic bill and controversies like the Jeffrey Epstein case files. Johnsons team has yet to present a clear legislative roadmap for the months ahead, complicating consensus-building as midterms approach.

Some Republicans are calling for bolder action. Rep. Eric Burlison emphasized the need for the party to take decisive steps on issues like health care, warning against incremental approaches. Meanwhile, Rep. Byron Donalds highlighted the pressures of the speakers role, advising quicker decision-making.

Supporters acknowledge the leadership challenges but stress that voters may respond positively to accomplishments such as recent tax and spending legislation. Narrow margins in the House, however, limit Johnsons flexibility. House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole praised Johnson for passing significant legislation despite limited resources.

Johnson retains Trumps backing and faces no internal challengers for the speakership. He expressed confidence in continuing his agenda and running for leadership positions in the next Congress. Allies liken the role of speaker to managing difficult, unruly forces, noting that allowing members to influence legislative processes, even slowly, is preferable to overriding them.

Recent internal meetings highlighted frustrations, as members struggled to participate in decision-making and disagreed on key bills, including college athletics legislation. Johnson has committed to unveiling a health care plan soon, though many members remain unclear on its content. The impending expiration of enhanced subsidies raises concerns about rising costs for millions of Americans.

Results from a Tennessee special election, where Republican margins were narrower than expected, heightened alarm within the party. Some Republicans attribute dissatisfaction with Johnson to his willingness to yield House authority under presidential pressure, leaving members feeling sidelined in key policy decisions. Rep. Thomas Massie criticized Johnson for acting as a "rubber stamp" for Trump, a sentiment some lawmakers say contributes to retirements and candidacies for statewide office.

Amid these tensions, House Republicans confront an internal reckoning over leadership, legislative priorities, and their ability to communicate a cohesive message ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Author: Gavin Porter