Steve Bannon, a prominent figure in the conservative movement and a key media ally of former President Donald Trump, is calling for the removal of House Speaker Mike Johnson, warning that his leadership threatens to derail the Republican agenda. Bannon, known for his hard-hitting rhetoric and support of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) vision, argues that unless Johnson is replaced, the Republican-controlled House will struggle to implement the policies that conservatives care about.
Mike Johnson was elected Speaker of the House in October 2023, after a lengthy battle to find a replacement for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. However, as the new Congress prepares to meet in January, Johnson faces mounting criticism from within his own party, particularly over his handling of government funding and spending legislation. With Republicans holding a razor-thin majority in the House, Johnson cannot afford to lose support from any more GOP members if he hopes to maintain his position.
Bannon’s warning comes after Johnson’s recent handling of the government funding bill, which passed without key provisions championed by Trump, such as a limit on the national debt ceiling. Critics, including Trump and influential conservative voices like Elon Musk, have lambasted the measure as a failure. The president-elect has been clear in his belief that any spending deal must include significant debt control, a stance that did not make it into Johnson’s latest proposal. While Johnson claimed that Trump was satisfied with the final deal, it’s unclear whether the former president will continue to back him.
In an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, Bannon doubled down on his demand for leadership change, insisting, “We don’t need partisanship now. We need hyper-partisanship now. The conversation is over.” For Johnson to hold on to his speaker’s gavel, he can afford only two defections within his party. Several Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and others from Arizona, Indiana, and Tennessee, have openly expressed doubt about Johnson’s leadership, signaling that the vote on January 3 could be a pivotal moment for the GOP.
As Democrats remain firm in their opposition, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries made it clear that there would be no bipartisan support to keep Johnson in power. With such deep divisions within the Republican ranks, Bannon’s call for a change in leadership highlights the growing tension between the party’s establishment and its more populist wing. For conservatives who are committed to pushing forward Trump’s agenda, the next few weeks could determine the future direction of the Republican Party and its ability to challenge the left on key issues.
The stakes for Johnson are high. If he fails to secure enough support within his own party, the GOP may find itself facing a leadership crisis just as the new Congress convenes in 2024. For Trump’s agenda to succeed, many Republicans are beginning to believe that a new speaker may be the only way forward. The clock is ticking toward January 3, and the GOP’s unity—or lack thereof—will soon be tested in a critical vote.