United States President-elect Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Mike Johnson to retain the role of Speaker in the House of Representatives.
Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social media platform that Johnson, 52, a Republican representative from the state of Louisiana, had his endorsement.
“The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration,” Trump wrote in the post.
“Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement.”
Johnson responded on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, by thanking Trump for his backing.
“Thank you, President Trump! I’m honored and humbled by your support, as always. Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America,” Johnson wrote in the post.
“The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work!”
Johnson will stand for re-election as Speaker this week in the House, one of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress, after the new Congress is sworn.
Although Republicans have a four vote (219 to 215) majority in the House, 34 of them voted against legislation favoured by Johnson in December which avoided a government shutdown, raising doubts about whether he would be re-elected.