Speaker Mike Johnson Immediately Gets Put On Notice with Motion to Vacate Threat [WATCH]

Just hours after Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was elected Speaker of the House, a group of nine Republican lawmakers expressed their intent to challenge his leadership.

This early dissent highlights ongoing debate within the Republican Party and dissatisfaction among some members who feel Johnson has not delivered on key conservative priorities.

The group of nine Republicans voiced concerns about Johnson’s leadership approach, particularly regarding spending cuts and perceived concessions to Democrats.

The 9 number is important — 3 votes for someone else and 6 who withheld to end then voted for Johnson — because that’s the new threshold for motion to vacate (9 members) in new House rules package. So it could be they’re sending Johnson a message here and come around on ballot 2

— Matthew Boyle (@mboyle1) January 3, 2025

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Their push to remove him from the speakership reflects frustrations over the party’s direction and demands for a more aggressive stance on conservative issues.

These lawmakers, who either abstained or voted for another candidate during Johnson’s initial bid for the speakership, later changed their votes to support him.

The only exception was Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who abstained.

The group has indicated they are prepared to file a motion to vacate the speakership, potentially putting Johnson’s leadership in jeopardy.

With a closely divided House, the nine Republican votes could be sufficient to remove Johnson unless Democrats choose to intervene and support him.

The rules for ousting Johnson differ significantly from those faced by his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Under McCarthy’s tenure, a single member of the House could initiate a motion to vacate, making the position more vulnerable.

In contrast, Johnson’s speakership requires a higher threshold of dissent to trigger a removal vote. Despite this, the threat from the nine Republicans underscores the precarious nature of his role.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), one of the lawmakers who initially opposed Johnson’s confirmation as Speaker, released a statement outlining the concerns shared by his colleagues.

The statement emphasized skepticism about Johnson’s ability to address spending and fiscal responsibility effectively, areas of critical importance to many conservatives in the caucus.

My statement – along with my colleagues – regarding our vote for @SpeakerJohnson. pic.twitter.com/vXsNq9DDcm

— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) January 3, 2025

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX): That is why there were nine people who withheld their votes. It sends a message that we are going to be watching them. pic.twitter.com/d1WecoUnfb

— Acyn (@Acyn) January 3, 2025

Johnson’s election as Speaker followed weeks of turmoil in the House, including the removal of McCarthy in early October.

Johnson’s leadership was seen by many as a fresh start for the party, but the early resistance signals that unity remains elusive.

The internal divisions could complicate efforts to pass critical legislation, including appropriations bills and other measures necessary to avoid a government shutdown.

As Johnson navigates these challenges, his ability to maintain party cohesion will be tested.

The dissenting lawmakers’ willingness to push for his removal underscores the fragile balance of power within the GOP and the broader ideological struggles shaping the party’s future.

The coming weeks are likely to determine whether Johnson can build enough support within his caucus to stave off a potential motion to vacate and solidify his position as Speaker.

Nine Republicans Flex on Mike Johnson, Signal ‘We Can Take You Down’

Jake Tapper: “This was a muscle flexing of a minority of the party, of the Republican Party, nine members demonstrating to Speaker Johnson. We can take you down, if we want to, according to the new house rules,… pic.twitter.com/XNGvsLFX42

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 4, 2025

For now, the discontent within the Republican ranks serves as a reminder of the significant challenges ahead for both Johnson and the GOP as a whole.

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