Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a challenging battle to secure the speakership for a full term, and his allies believe President-elect Trump's endorsement is key to his success. Several House Republicans have openly criticized Johnson's leadership, particularly his handling of recent government funding legislation. With the House set to certify the 2024 election results shortly after the speaker vote, some members worry a drawn-out leadership contest could jeopardize this crucial process and delay President-elect Trump's agenda.

Representatives like Carlos Gimenez and Pat Fallon have emphasized the urgency of a swift speaker election, suggesting that Trump's intervention could sway hesitant Republicans. Fallon even proposed a Christmas meeting between Johnson and Trump at Mar-a-Lago as a powerful show of support. The upcoming speaker vote on January 3rd comes just days before the January 6th election certification, adding to the pressure on Johnson and his supporters.

Johnson's recent struggles to secure government funding, including a failed attempt to link the debt limit to the funding bill, have fueled criticism from within the GOP. While some Republicans who opposed this measure maintain their commitment to fiscal conservatism, others, like Thomas Massie, have explicitly stated their intention to vote against Johnson. This opposition, combined with reported dissatisfaction from Trump himself regarding Johnson's handling of the funding process, further complicates the speaker's prospects.

Despite these challenges, prominent Trump allies, such as Senator Ted Cruz, have defended Johnson, highlighting his conservative credentials. The consensus among many House Republicans is that Trump's preference will ultimately determine the outcome of the speakership race. Rep. Tim Burchett, for instance, indicated a willingness to support Johnson if Trump endorses him, despite previously opposing Johnson's funding plans. With a narrow GOP majority and little chance of Democratic support, Johnson's path to victory hinges on consolidating Republican votes, a task made significantly more difficult without Trump's explicit backing.