Johnson responds to Trump’s jokes
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s jokes that the president has effectively taken over his job. In a new interview with NOTUS, Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of his position, calling it the hardest job “in the world” as he navigates a slim Republican majority in the House.
Johnson described the challenges of leading a caucus where GOP colleagues criticize him, storm out of rooms, slam doors, and block priority bills that he and Trump want passed. Despite the friction, Johnson said he doesn’t take it personally.
“I don’t get my feelings hurt. I never do,” Johnson said in comments released Monday. “With leadership comes attacks and, you know, defamatory remarks and all. That’s just part of the job. You’re going to be criticized no matter what you do.”
‘I don’t do this job for the praise of men’
Johnson also cited a Bible verse and the practice of “the ministry of reconciliation,” adding: “I do it because it’s a responsibility.” He emphasized that his motivation isn’t public approval, saying, “I don’t do this job for the praise of men.”
When asked about the occasional pushback from Trump, who has claimed he has two jobs—being president and being speaker—Johnson revealed that some in the White House have joked about his close working relationship with the president.
“Some on his staff have said, ‘No, it’s really like you’re co-president,’” Johnson told NOTUS. “Because the president and I speak all the time.”
Looking ahead to November
Johnson now faces what he called his biggest challenge leading the House: the November midterm elections. He insisted that Republicans will keep control of Congress, despite early polls showing Democrats with an advantage and the historical trend of the party in power losing seats.
Johnson said he hasn’t pictured the GOP losing and dismissed the idea that he might need to run for minority leader.
“We’re going to win, so I don’t have to answer that question,” Johnson said. “I intend to be the speaker.”