GOP Revolt Erodes Speaker Mike Johnson’s Grip as White House Shifts to an Economic Pitch

House Turmoil and a White House Messaging Shift

Speaker Mike Johnson is confronting mounting resistance from his own conference as rank-and-file Republicans increasingly use procedural tools and public pushback to sidestep leadership and force high-profile votes.

Johnson suffered an early setback before Thanksgiving when Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) joined three GOP women and most Democrats to force a near-unanimous vote to release the Jeffrey Epstein files — a defeat that emboldened others to pursue similar tactics.

Discharge Petitions and Narrow Margins

This week Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) filed a discharge petition aiming to compel a floor vote on a bipartisan bill that would bar members of Congress from owning or trading individual stocks. Luna’s petition has drawn nine other Republican signatures and six Democrats — well short of the 218 required, but notable because it is rare for the majority to use discharge petitions against its own leadership.

Moderate Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) has warned he may file discharge petitions to impose what he called “crushing” sanctions on Russia if a proposed peace plan for Ukraine collapses, and to extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies if leaders do not act before the Dec. 31 deadline. “We’re not afraid to use that option,” Fitzpatrick said, framing the discharge petition as a tool of the rank-and-file rather than the minority.

Policy Pullbacks and Intra-Party Fights

Johnson’s team abruptly pulled the SCORE Act — which would set federal standards for compensating college athletes — from the House floor amid opposition led by conservative Republicans including Rep. Chip Roy (R-Tex.). The bill’s removal was one of the week’s most prominent signs of Johnson’s limited ability to marshal votes.

Beyond procedural battles, Johnson faces intra-party conflict over censure moves and public rebukes. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has sought a censure vote targeting fellow Republican Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), and high-profile GOP women — including Reps. Elise Stefanik and Marjorie Taylor Greene — have been vocal critics.

The Math Matters

Most of the strain traces to the GOP’s slim House majority. After Tennessee Republican Matt Van Epps was sworn in, Republicans hold a 220-213 edge, leaving Johnson with the capacity to absorb only three defections on any given bill.

White House Moves to Address Voter Concerns About Affordability

At the same time, the White House is shifting resources to respond to persistent voter anxieties about the economy. Months of polling — including an October NBC News survey — showed nearly two-thirds of voters believe President Donald Trump has fallen short on the cost of living and economic expectations. Those concerns were reflected in recent gubernatorial races and a Tennessee special election.

Officials have planned a Trump trip to northeast Pennsylvania next week to make the administration’s case that its policies are improving affordability. The state is politically significant — a major swing state and home to several House Republicans whose seats are considered vulnerable by the Cook Political Report.

Administration aides appear to view the visit primarily as a messaging effort rather than an ideological shift. Still, embattled House Republicans who have aligned closely with the president may view any concerted outreach as helpful to their midterm prospects.

Quick Items

• Jan. 6 Pipe-Bomb Probe: The FBI arrested a suspect in the investigation of pipe bombs placed near the RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of Jan. 6, 2021.
• Navy Strike Review: Adm. Frank M. Bradley defended a September strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel, saying surviving individuals were legitimate targets under the operation’s rules.
• GAO Inquiry: The Government Accountability Office opened an inquiry into FHFA Director Bill Pulte after referrals he made to the Justice Department regarding alleged mortgage fraud.
• Pardon: President Trump pardoned Tim Leiweke, former CEO of Oak View Group, after Leiweke’s indictment on a federal conspiracy charge.
• Other Notes: Florida began a redistricting hearing; Senate Democrats plan a vote to extend expiring ACA tax credits; Justice Democrats endorsed Melat Kiros in a primary challenge to Rep. Diana DeGette.

Reporters on this piece included the NBC News Capitol Hill team. This newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner and Owen Auston-Babcock.

If you have feedback on coverage, email politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com.