Eve of Capitol Attack: Johnson’s Call to Action Just a day before the notorious Capitol siege, Rep. Mike Johnson, despite being a junior House Republican, convened a confidential session with fellow members. His stance was clear: the GOP must stand by Trump and dispute the electoral results from several states clinched by Biden. During this assembly, he was quoted saying, “This decision carries immense weight. We’ve all sought divine guidance on this matter, and I’ve personally prayed for each one of you,” pushing for unity in rejecting the election outcome.
Paving the Path with Legalities Between Trump’s polling day loss on Nov. 3, 2020, and the Capitol’s Jan. 6 assault, Johnson emerged as a critical architect, sculpting legal rationales. These narratives resonated with GOP members, inclining them against recognizing Biden’s victory. As legal barricades for Trump crumbled, Johnson’s mantra persisted: “The fight isn’t over.” When Texas mounted a legal challenge on Dec. 8, 2020, against four states’ results, Johnson unveiled his strategy, rallying congressional support.
Behind-the-Scenes: Johnson’s Close Trump Ties Throughout this tumultuous period, Johnson maintained frequent communication with Trump, even outpacing some of his high-profile peers in the party.
Dissent Within the Ranks The Jan. 5, 2021, confidential gathering wasn’t devoid of contention. Representatives Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) predicted a constitutional and political disaster if Johnson’s plan materialized. Roy warned against jeopardizing the nation’s liberty in pursuit of a fleeting political advantage.
From Controversy to Speakership Johnson’s controversial role did little to hamper his professional ascent. Despite their past disagreements, both Roy and Bacon supported Johnson’s bid for the speakership. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), who previously spurned Johnson’s arguments, echoed the sentiment, distinguishing Johnson’s legal course as “absolutely appropriate.”
Johnson’s endeavor to challenge the 2020 election results might have been overshadowed by other prominent party members like Reps. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), and Jim Jordan. Yet, an in-depth examination of Johnson’s statements and actions during that period cements his position as Trump’s consistent ally, particularly during the former president’s fervent bid to overturn the 2020 election results.