House Chairman Calls on Trump to Unite GOP for Speaker Vote

House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) is urging President-elect Donald Trump to intervene in the GOP’s ongoing speaker race, warning that continued division could delay critical steps in Trump’s upcoming presidency. Speaking on Sunday Morning Futures with Fox News anchor Jason Chaffetz, Comer called on Trump to personally appeal to the five or six Republican holdouts who have yet to commit to re-electing Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as Speaker of the House.

“I strongly encourage Donald Trump to get on the phone with those five or six members who won’t commit to voting for Mike Johnson,” Comer said. “All this is going to do is delay us.”

The Stakes for GOP Unity

Comer outlined the high stakes of electing a speaker quickly, tying the timeline directly to the certification of Trump’s Electoral College victory on January 6. “It’s going to delay the certification of President Trump’s election,” Comer warned. “It’s going to delay the start of his first 100 days in office, which is the most important time frame of his whole presidency.”

Historically, a president’s first 100 days are seen as a critical window for enacting major legislative priorities. Comer stressed that unity among House Republicans is essential to advancing Trump’s America First agenda.

Johnson Faces GOP Fractures

Johnson, first elected as Speaker in October 2023 after a contentious leadership battle, has faced pushback from within his party. Some Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), have expressed dissatisfaction with Johnson’s handling of key issues like spending and surveillance legislation, fueling speculation about alternative candidates.

Despite this, Trump has publicly backed Johnson, stating he is “with Johnson all the way.” However, Trump also cautioned that the speaker’s actions, particularly on budget bills, will play a pivotal role in maintaining his support.

A Call for Unity

Comer emphasized the importance of avoiding a repeat of the drawn-out process that followed Kevin McCarthy’s removal as speaker. “I’m strongly encouraging my colleagues to go ahead and elect Mike Johnson and let’s get started on passing President Trump’s agenda,” he said.

With Democrats unlikely to cross the aisle to support Johnson, the slim GOP majority must hold together to secure his re-election. Comer’s call for Trump to take an active role highlights the former president’s enduring influence over the party and his central role in ensuring Republican unity.

As the January deadline looms, the GOP must act decisively to rally around a leader capable of advancing Trump’s agenda and restoring order in the House.

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