Speaker Johnson Plotting Against Trump?

Here’s what is happening behind the scenes.

In a recent development, supporters of the MAGA movement have reignited their discontent towards House Speaker Mike Johnson, particularly regarding his stance on defending Special Counsel Jack Smith. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene took to X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing her frustration with Johnson’s position. Greene emphasized her decision to trigger a Motion to Vacate, highlighting Johnson’s refusal to commit to defunding Special Counsel Jack Smith. She criticized Johnson’s shift from merely declining defunding to now promising protection for the counsel, insinuating that Johnson’s allegiance lies more with the Democrats, who supported his Speakership, rather than with the GOP.

Johnson’s statements in defense of maintaining federal funding for Special Counsel Smith further fueled the backlash from MAGA supporters. During an interview with Politico, Johnson emphasized the necessity of having a mechanism like the special counsel’s office, citing potential conflicts of interest within the Department of Justice when investigating or prosecuting matters involving the president or their family. When asked about plans to remove Smith’s job through future appropriation bills, Johnson firmly stated his opposition.

Responding to criticism, a spokesperson for Johnson reiterated the Speaker’s concerns about the politicization of the judicial system against former President Trump. Johnson reportedly collaborates with other Republican leaders to ensure accountability measures for Special Counsel Smith.

Smith’s involvement in ongoing criminal cases against Trump, particularly related to allegations of mishandling classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, has intensified the scrutiny on Johnson’s stance. MAGA figures like Steve Bannon and Libby Emmons publicly criticized Johnson’s perceived weakness, while grassroots supporters like Gunther Eagleman condemned Johnson as a sellout for his perceived protection of Smith.

This latest episode adds to the tensions within the Republican Party, exemplified by Greene’s previous attempt to vacate Johnson’s speakership. Despite her efforts, the motion was overwhelmingly rejected by the Republican-led House, indicating a divided stance within the party regarding Johnson’s leadership and his approach to bipartisan cooperation on federal spending.