Former President Donald Trump has expressed his support for House Speaker Mike Johnson after Johnson faced backlash for his support of a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Trump defended Johnson, stating that with the Republican conference’s narrow majority, Johnson cannot do whatever he wants. Trump praised Johnson for his stance on NATO and acknowledged his efforts.
The aid package passed by Johnson and House Democrats aims to assist Ukraine in its war against Russia. Johnson’s decision to support the bill has faced criticism from fellow Republicans, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene calling for his resignation and accusing him of betraying America. Russian media also attacked Johnson, labeling him a traitor.
The Republican majority in the House has shrunk to 217-213, allowing them to only lose one vote from their conference and still pass legislation. This tight margin has led to tensions within the party, as evident in the previous removal of former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy.
Johnson’s failure to secure the US border and perceived poor negotiation skills have been cited as reasons for his critics calling for his resignation. Rep. Thomas Massie accused Johnson of either being unfit for the job or working for the other team. Johnson defended himself, stating that he inherited a budget deal that was unchangeable and that he fought for policy priorities within those limitations.
Conservative House Republicans also viewed Johnson’s reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act as another betrayal. The foreign aid package includes provisions for the seizure of Russian central bank assets and loans for Ukraine.
In the Senate, there are differing opinions on providing aid to Ukraine. Sen. Mike Lee introduced an amendment to ensure that US loans to Ukraine are used to pay down the national debt. However, Sen. J.D. Vance argued against providing aid, stating that it would only prolong the war. Sen. Lindsey Graham dismissed Vance’s criticisms and emphasized the need to support Ukraine with weapons.
If the Senate passes the aid package and President Biden signs it into law, the US will have approved nearly $174 billion for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. This amount surpasses the $160 billion authorized by the European Union.
The passage of the aid package and the subsequent support of House Speaker Mike Johnson have caused divisions within the Republican Party. Johnson’s decision to back the bill has drawn criticism from fellow Republicans, while former President Donald Trump has expressed his support for Johnson. The aid package itself aims to assist Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
