Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) argued that the “die has been cast” in the Speakership vote after President-elect Trump gave an endorsement of sitting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Burchett joined Fox News on Monday, saying he believes Johnson will have enough votes to remain Speaker.
“I think he ultimately will,” he said. “I think the die has been cast pretty much.”
Still, Burchett didn’t jump on board for Johnson. He said he would wait and make up his mind on Friday.
“I’ll talk to Mike some and maybe President Trump even, and discuss some ideas and issues that I have,” Burchett said.
The House is set to vote Friday on a new Speaker. Johnson’s leadership position hangs in the balance, as some hard-line conservatives are upset with his negotiations on the continuing resolution and aid to Ukraine.
In a post on the social platform X, Trump endorsed Johnson, calling him a “good, hard working, religious man.” He said he believes Johnson will “do the right thing.”
While Burchett didn’t offer up his endorsement of Johnson as Speaker, he noted that the Louisiana lawmaker has been a “good friend” to him and praised his religious values.
Burchett’s GOP colleague, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), has explicitly said he will not be voting for Johnson to remain Speaker. He publicly disagreed with Trump and criticized Johnson as a “potato” who has blown the budget.
If Massie votes against Johnson, he can only afford one more vote against him if all House members are present and choose to vote on the matter.
Several Republicans, like Burchett, haven’t committed to voting for Johnson ahead of Friday’s vote.
