Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich praised Mike Johnson for his “extraordinary job” as Speaker of the House, despite facing criticism from certain conservative factions. Johnson had drawn ire from some members of the GOP after agreeing to an initial spending agreement with Democrats aimed at preventing a government shutdown. However, the deal was eventually rejected, and a continuing resolution was passed to ensure government funding.
Gingrich, who served as Speaker from 1995 to 1999 under President Bill Clinton while the GOP held the Senate, lauded Johnson, R-La., for successfully managing his role with a narrow House majority, while Democrats control both the presidency and the Senate. “Mike Johnson, speaker of the house, is doing an extraordinary job,” Gingrich remarked during his appearance on John Catsimatidis’s “Cats Roundtable” on WABC 770 AM.
“I tell everybody, I was a pretty effective speaker. I could never do his job. He has no margins. Any two or three members can rebel at any moment.”
The former Georgia Republican also commended Johnson for his remarkable patience and his ability to engage with others, likening his temperament to that of Job in the Bible. Johnson’s ability to listen to different viewpoints and navigate difficult situations was highlighted by Gingrich as a key strength.
After the complex negotiations that eventually led to the passing of the continuing resolution, some Republican members began questioning whether Johnson would be able to maintain enough support to stay as Speaker in the next Congress. Gingrich urged Republicans to focus on the final legislative outcome rather than the challenges of the process itself.
“When you have no margin and you have to maneuver and listen, and maneuver and listen, that is how the constitutional process works,” he explained to Catsimatidis.
President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously expressed support for Johnson, has not yet publicly stated his position on who he backs for the speakership once the GOP retains control in January. Gingrich stressed the need for House Republicans to unify with Trump in the White House and with the Senate under GOP control.
“They need a Republican unity program for the next two years,” Gingrich asserted. “These guys who wake up every morning and say, I’m going to vote no. What’s the issue? are totally destructive and hand the House over to the Democrats.”
He further emphasized that Republicans must begin the year with a commitment to work together as a unified team. “So they need to start this year with a pledge that every Republican is going to stick together. We’re going to be a single team.”
For the GOP to retain control of the House and secure more seats in 2026, Gingrich stressed that a strong economy is essential. “In order for the economy to boom, by July 4th they need to sign into law a huge tax cut and deregulation bill,” he said. “And I think that should be the highest priority domestically of the administration and of every House and Senate Republican.”
In other news, Trump announced his intention to nominate Gingrich’s wife, Callista Gingrich, as U.S. ambassador to Switzerland. She previously served as ambassador to the Vatican during Trump’s first term.
{Matzav.com}
