Mike Johnson

Defending the major Republican budget legislation, Johnson disputes the idea that the reforms actually reduce food assistance and presents the changes as combating fraud and inactivity. Budget analyses and fact-checks nevertheless find substantial spending reductions; in 2026, approximately four million fewer people receive SNAP and several million are expected to lose Medicaid because of the new requirements.

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Direct responsibility

Johnson is re-elected Speaker by 218 votes to 215 after an extremely close ballot. Several hesitant Republicans only agree to support him after last-minute discussions, including a phone call from Donald Trump, illustrating his dependence on a razor-thin majority and internal party tensions.

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After delaying a vote on Ukraine aid for months, Johnson advances a package worth tens of billions of dollars with Democratic support. The Trump-aligned wing accuses him of betrayal and Marjorie Taylor Greene introduces a motion to remove him, overwhelmingly blocked with Democrats' help.

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Johnson attends the Manhattan court during Donald Trump's trial for falsifying business records and denounces the 'weaponisation' of justice and election interference, joining Republican leaders' show of support for their candidate.

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Personally implicated

Johnson attempts to link an extension of federal funding to a measure requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. The proposal fails to secure sufficient Republican votes and reignites the risk of a shutdown, with Donald Trump demanding that government funding be withheld unless the election measure is passed.

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Directly implicated

Following his election as House Speaker, Johnson's religious positions are reassessed. He describes 'separation of church and state' as a 'misnomer' and explains that the founders intended to prevent government encroachment on religion. Other remarks about God-given authority fuel allegations of Christian nationalism.

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Personally implicated

A 2022 video reveals that Johnson and his teenage son used Covenant Eyes, a digital accountability application that can flag potentially pornographic material viewed to an accountability partner. The arrangement raises questions about privacy, cybersecurity and the unusual nature of mutual father-son monitoring.

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Personally implicated

For years, Johnson's financial disclosures show neither reportable assets nor bank accounts exceeding disclosure thresholds, despite several debts. After becoming Speaker, the situation prompts questions about his transparency and financial vulnerability.

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Johnson plays a central role in gathering 126 Republican representatives to sign a brief supporting Texas's attempt to invalidate presidential election results in four states won by Joe Biden. He also repeats unsupported claims about voting machines and continues voting against certification of certain electoral votes.

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Directly implicated

As a Louisiana legislator, Johnson promotes a measure intended to prevent the state from penalising individuals and organisations acting on the belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Opponents see it as a licence to discriminate following the expansion of civil marriage.

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Directly implicated

Before entering Congress, Mike Johnson works for the Alliance Defense Fund and other conservative organisations. Editorials and legal briefs from the period show him opposing same-sex marriage, describing same-sex relations as immoral or dangerous and defending the constitutionality of anti-sodomy laws.

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Directly implicated