House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has consistently referred to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as the Deputy Speaker of the House. Jeffries has communicated to both reporters and the American public that Johnson is yielding to Trump, a notion many initially thought was symbolic but is now proving to be more literal.
Trump has humorously claimed he is the Speaker of the House, and there have been whispers that some Republicans considered him for the role before his potential return to the White House.
Sarah Jones discusses Trump and his influence on power dynamics:
Meanwhile, a report from NOTUS indicates that Johnson has transferred some of his authority as Speaker to Trump:
It isn’t solely about securing votes. On several occasions, Johnson has delegated powers typically held by the Speaker.
Two sources informed NOTUS that Johnson has instructed members wanting to bring legislation to the floor to first seek approval from the administration.
“It is a complete abdication of duties to the White House,” another House Republican told NOTUS. “Everything must be preordained and pre-blessed, leaving us little autonomy. We should be able to advance our own priorities, not merely adhere to the day’s directives.”
A senior GOP aide countered the notion that relying on the president is problematic.
The defense of this practice by a senior House Republican aide, which undermines the Constitution, is a significant part of the issue.
