After Democrats voted to support Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), he quickly announced that he would not use Congress’s power of the purse to stop special counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into Donald Trump. Johnson stated that it was necessary to have a body like the special counsel to avoid conflicts of interest within the Department of Justice.
Despite pressure from fellow Republicans like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to defund Smith’s office, Johnson refused to include language eliminating the special counsel’s job in appropriations bills. Greene criticized Johnson for not taking action against what she referred to as a “witch hunt” targeting President Trump.
Johnson’s decision not to defund Smith’s office led to tension within his own party, with a minority opposing his leadership. However, with support from Democrats, Johnson’s speakership remained secure.
President Trump had previously indicated his support for defunding Smith’s office, but he also stated that the time for ousting Johnson was not right at the moment. The situation remains fluid, and the possibility of a motion to vacate may arise in the future.
Overall, Johnson’s decision not to defund the special counsel’s office sparked controversy within the Republican party and raised questions about his leadership among his colleagues.
