Overview
- The Atlantic reported that GOP lawmakers have begun quiet discussions about removing Mike Johnson, with some members portraying him as ineffective and politically weak.
- On expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, several vulnerable Republicans joined Democrats to force action, and four moderates signed House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ discharge petition to advance a straight extension in January.
- The Wall Street Journal’s Kimberly Strassel wrote that a small bloc of moderates has usurped Johnson’s leverage by extracting concessions and threatening defections, citing Rob Bresnahan, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Mike Lawler, and Ryan Mackenzie.
- Formal rule changes have made midterm removal of a speaker more difficult, yet public rebukes and exits—such as Elise Stefanik’s denunciations and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s planned January resignation—reflect weakening support.
- Critics say Johnson shows unwavering deference to President Trump and often avoids commenting on controversies, with one Republican asserting he functions like a presidential staffer and former Rep. Bob Good calling him a puppet.