On Friday, Republican Mike Johnson narrowly secured his reelection as House speaker on the first ballot. Johnson overcame hard-right GOP holdouts in a tense standoff and was strengthened by a gesture of support from President-elect Donald Trump.

The first day of the new Congress was started on an ominous note by the unsettling scene. In the rear of the House chamber, a small group of agressive Republicans gathered, each declining to vote or selecting an alternative lawmaker, as Fox News reported.

Johnson's countenance darkened as he recognized the onset of new turmoil and the potential for trouble in his future as Trump returns to the White House with a unified Republican majority in Washington.

Final Results are In

In the end, Johnson was able to convince two holdouts to convert to his side, with the assistance of Trump, who summoned the dissenting Republican lawmakers from the golf course. The final count was 218-215.

Johnson, who was markedly relieved, declared his intention to "reject business as usual" in his inaugural oration with the gavel.

He declared, “We’re going to drastically cut back the size and scope of government."

Not only has Johnson's tenuous hold on the gavel jeopardized his own survival, but also Trump's ambitious agenda of tax cuts and mass deportations, as Republicans ascend to power in the House and Senate.

The severe vote count exposed the obstacles he must overcome. Johnson was not assured of his retention in the speaker's office, despite receiving support from Trump himself, which is typically a more reliable indicator for Republicans.

Democrat Response

It was time to unite, put party politics aside "to get things done" for Americans, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said, trying to convince Republicans move past the turmoil of the previous two years and support his bid for speakership.

A ceremonial day with newly elected lawmakers arriving to be sworn in, often with family, friends, and children in tow — Republicans this year wearing long, Trump-style red ties — has become a high-stakes vote for House speaker, one of Washington's most powerful elected positions. Vice President Kamala Harris swore in the senators.

The Senate can meet independently and pick party leaders, such as Republican majority leader John Thune and Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer, but the House must first elect its speaker. The Constitution requires it as the second-in-line to the presidency.

Despite pushback from within his own Republican Party, Johnson arrived at the Capitol looking assured after staying up all night trying to win over skeptics.

Possible Fallout

Johnson's failure may have disrupted the congressional certification of Trump's 2024 election victory on Monday.

Trump endorsed Johnson and called to secure the vote. “Mike will be a Great Speaker, and our Country will be the beneficiary,” Trump posted following the vote.

In 2023, Republicans elected Kevin McCarthy as speaker after a week and 15 rounds of voting, a rare event in modern times. McCarthy was the first GOP speaker to be ousted by his party, joining a lengthy history of leaders who left early.

This year, Trump returns to the White House with GOP control in the House and Senate, pledging a 100-day program with high stakes.