WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson has consistently wielded his gavel to protect President Donald Trump and his allies from congressional oversight, a departure from two centuries of speakers who built the office's power as a nonpartisan legislative manager.
Johnson has conducted roughly 30-minute briefings for members on handling congressional oversight, often featuring a PowerPoint presentation on best practices for shielding the president and his associates.
The Louisiana Republican has also worked to block bills critical of Trump from reaching a floor vote—even when such legislation draws support from members of his own Republican conference.
Many House members believe Johnson relies heavily on Trump's backing to advance the Republican agenda, a dynamic that leads Johnson to prioritize the president's wishes over dissenting views within his own party.
Johnson has previously said he wants to preside over a "normal Congress." The legislative environment under his leadership reflects a chamber operating far from that stated goal.
His alignment with the White House has ensured that oversight actions remain tied to Trump's political interests and has minimized challenges from within the Republican Party.
Johnson has said only the Republican Party can restore American greatness—a belief his actions reinforce by consolidating the House's institutional power around the current administration.
