Former President Donald Trump has commented on the future of Speaker Mike Johnson, who is facing threats within his own party over his handling of a foreign aid package that includes aid to Ukraine. Trump was noncommittal in his support for Johnson during a visit to a bodega in Manhattan, stating, “Well, we’ll see what happens with that.” The financial backing of foreign aid to Ukraine has been a contentious issue among Republicans, with Johnson needing support from Democrats to pass the legislation. The plan for the aid package involves separate votes for different sections before it is reformed into a single bill.
Republican members of Congress, including Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have called for Johnson to resign or be removed from his position as speaker due to his handling of the legislation. Johnson has refused to resign and dismissed the calls for him to vacate the chair, stating that it does not help advance the Republican agenda. The speaker has faced criticism for not prioritizing border security funding within the foreign aid bill. Republican members believe that Johnson is neglecting their priorities and have threatened to remove him from his leadership role.
Johnson’s plan for the foreign aid package involves separate votes for aid to Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific region, and a motion that includes measures like seizing Russian assets in U.S. banks. The Senate has already approved a $95 billion aid package that includes military aid to Ukraine, assistance to Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian aid. Johnson’s decision to delay the legislation has further fueled tensions within the party, with some members feeling that their priorities are being overlooked. The speaker has emphasized that border funding is not relevant to the specific foreign aid bill and remains committed to his approach.
In the midst of the controversy surrounding the foreign aid package, former President Donald Trump faced the start of his first criminal trial related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of falsifying business records to hide payments to Daniels. The trial is the first of four criminal cases facing Trump, who is the presumed GOP nominee for the 2024 presidential election. The former president has denied allegations of an affair with Daniels and is focused on defending himself against the charges brought against him.
