Mike Johnson says he 'thinks' he has the votes to remain House Speaker

House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose leadership role has been under threat from some in the GOP, said that he believes he has the votes to remain House Speaker after President-elect Donald Trump endorsed him on Monday. Johnson's leadership has been in question in the past week as Congress is out on recess, due to return next week.

"To remain speaker, it's not a matter of biology or chemistry or art, it's math. Do you have the votes?" Kellyanne Conway asked Johnson on Fox News. 

"I think we do Kellyanne," Johnson replied. "I'm really humbled and honored to have President Trump's endorsement for Speaker again. He and I work so well together, so closely together, and we have a lot of big things to do."

"He recognizes that what we need right now — I think my colleagues recognize this as well — is a proven fighter and a true MAGA conservative, but also someone who can work with every single member of our very diverse House GOP so that we can get President Trump's priorities over the line," Johnson added.

Johnson posted on his X account with the clip from Fox News, "Together, we WILL implement the America First agenda and deliver for the American people."

In recent weeks, Johnson's position as House Speaker has been questioned over his handling of the government spending package, with some in the House Freedom Caucus suggesting he may not have their vote. Johnson initially backed a massive continiuing resolution that was filled with pork and would have kept the government funded through March. After items in the bill were revealed on X by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy of the Department of Government Efficiency, Johnson walked it back and a smaller bill was passed.

The President-elect's support, via a Monday endorsement, may seal Johnson's role as Speaker for the incoming 119th Congress. Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has already said that he will not support Johnson come Jan. 3, when the vote is expected.

Trump wrote his endorsement in a Truth Social post on Monday, saying, "Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!"

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich also weighed in on the House Speaker vote, "I do not understand what the CONTRARIAN house republicans think they will gain by opposing Speaker Mike Johnson. They have no one who can get more votes.they risk crippling President Trump’s electoral win on January 6. They are in effect allies of the Democrats. I challenge them to explain what their end game is other than noise."