US House rejects Trump-backed speaker in first ballot

Mike Johnson was unable to earn the support of a simple majority in the lower chamber of Congress

Read more...
Photo: Reuters

By AFP

Published: Fri 3 Jan 2025, 11:10 PM

Divided Republicans in the US House of Representatives failed to elect a speaker in the opening round of voting Friday as right-wing rebels defied incoming president Donald Trump to block the return of Mike Johnson.

The Louisiana lawmaker was unable to earn the support of a simple majority in the lower chamber of Congress, where the Republicans' already threadbare majority was reduced to just 219-215 in November's presidential election.

Johnson secured 216 votes, beating Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries by one — but with three Republicans not backing their leader, the process now goes to a second round.

Advertising
Advertising

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

ALSO READ:

AFP

Published: Fri 3 Jan 2025, 11:10 PM

Recommended for you