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GOP Lawmakers Warn Speaker Mike Johnson His Grip Is Slipping As MAGA Revolt Intensifies

11:08 PM, 12/05/2025
GOP Lawmakers Warn Speaker Mike Johnson His Grip Is Slipping As MAGA Revolt Intensifies

House Republicans privately warn Speaker Mike Johnson that his leadership is under strain amid low morale, a weak special-election showing in Tennessee, and rising health-care costs. Lawmakers are frustrated by recent budget moves that trimmed nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and failed to extend ACA subsidies, which could push up premiums for roughly 22 million Americans. Johnson has promised a plan next week, but many members say details are lacking and fear time is running out to pass relief before year-end.

House Republicans Privately Criticize Johnson as Frustration Boils Over

House Republicans are privately warning Speaker Mike Johnson that his leadership is faltering amid mounting frustration over economic issues and rising health-care costs, according to CNN. Members cite a poor special-election showing in Tennessee, growing voter anxiety about the cost of living, and concerns about the party’s direction under former President Donald Trump.

This week’s alarm came after the Republican nominee in a special election in a reliably red Tennessee district underperformed expectations, winning by only single digits against a progressive challenger. The result intensified worries that GOP candidates could struggle in upcoming races unless party leaders respond to voters’ economic concerns.

Healthcare And Budget Moves Fuel Discontent

Many lawmakers are upset that the most recent GOP spending bill cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and failed to renew enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Those subsidies helped many Americans afford premiums; when they expire, an estimated 22 million people could face sharply higher costs next year, with average recipients potentially seeing monthly premiums roughly double.

Johnson, 53, has repeatedly said he is working on a plan to address rising premiums and the subsidy lapse. He promised to unveil a proposal next week, but several House Republicans say details remain scarce and worry there may not be enough time to pass meaningful relief before the end of the year.

"Morale has never been lower," an anonymous GOP lawmaker told Johnson, according to CNN.

Leadership, Power And Party Direction

Some members also criticize what they see as Johnson’s deference to former President Trump. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie accused the speaker of acting as a "rubber stamp" for Trump and warned of a wave of Republican retirements and statewide campaigns as lawmakers seek roles where they can pursue independent agendas.

"You have a lot of intelligent, hard-working people who gave up a lot of things to be here in Congress, only to find out that all they get to do is come here and rubber-stamp whatever Donald Trump wants," Massie told CNN. "That's why you have so many people running for statewide office and retirements being announced…You could get a monkey to do this job."

Other Republicans, including Rep. Carlos Gimenez, told CNN they still have confidence in the speaker, reflecting a divided caucus. Some members privately lamented that the House has been "missing in action" on key legislative priorities, noting a recent pivot to issues such as college athletics regulation rather than immediate economic relief.

The Daily Beast said it contacted Johnson’s office for comment. CNN is the primary source for the internal caucus reporting cited above.

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