Trump's Phone Calls Secure Speaker Win, But It's Not Smooth Sailing

On a Friday afternoon, President-elect Donald Trump made some crucial phone calls while on the golf course. These calls were not about his swing but about influencing two key lawmakers, Reps. Ralph Norman and Keith Self. Trump's persuasion paid off, as the Republican lawmakers backed Mike Johnson for the speaker's position. Johnson won by a slim margin, securing 218 votes on the first ballot. However, the final tally belied the behind-the-scenes drama. Trump's intervention underscored his sway within the party but also hinted at the challenges ahead. With narrow majorities in both the House and the Senate, Trump needs nearly unanimous support from his party to push through his agenda. The speaker's election highlighted the delicate balance of power within the GOP. While Trump's support was pivotal, Johnson refused to make promises or deals for votes. Instead, he focused on empowering individual lawmakers. This approach may offer Johnson more room to maneuver politically, but it could also lead to more disagreements within the party. The road ahead is uncertain, and the speaker's election is just the start of the journey.