'Doesn’t have a plan': Republicans openly doubting Mike Johnson’s leadership capabilities

14 February 2024

Just four months after winning the gavel via unanimous vote by his fellow Republicans, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) appears to be rapidly losing the confidence of his caucus.

Politico reported Wednesday that some Republicans — both anonymously and on the record — are questioning their decision to elevate Johnson to the third-highest position in government given his multiple blunders. One House Republican confided to the publication that they missed the leadership of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California), who was ousted from his position in October and ultimately left the chamber in December.

"Kevin would have a strategy, he'd shop it around, then he'd make a play call," the Republican said. "The more I'm around Johnson, the more it’s clear to me he doesn’t have a plan."

One aide speaking anonymously said Johnson was "all over the place" with his legislative priorities. Another unnamed Republican aide echoed that sentiment, saying they were "confused as ever" about what Johnson wanted or what his goals are as he negotiates the details of a supplemental foreign aid package.

"He hasn’t given us any direction... I think right now he’s in survival mode," the aide said, adding that Johnson's lack of clarity in communication was counterproductive. "He’s so agreeable on everything that people walk away believing what they want to believe."

However, one Republican has publicly assailed Johnson's tenure as speaker, calling his four months on the dais an "unmitigated disaster." Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) tweeted earlier this month that "all work on separate spending bills has ceased. Spending reductions have been traded for spending increases. Warrantless spying has been temporarily extended. Our majority has shrunk."

Johnson has also overseen a wave of Republican retirements from the House of Representatives. Since taking control of the lower house of Congress in October of 2023, more than a dozen House Republicans have announced they will not seek another term in office. Democrats also flipped the seat most recently held by former Rep. George Santos (R-New York), who was expelled late last year, meaning Johnson can now only afford two defections from his caucus to pass bills assuming full attendance.

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