Former House Speaker Paul Ryan’s recent praise of current Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) bipartisan approach has sparked a backlash among conservative voters and raised questions about Ryan’s influence within the Fox Corporation. As a board member with significant authority over corporate policies and strategic direction Ryan’s public endorsements of Johnson’s tactics have led to calls for greater transparency in how his opinions are presented in Fox News and Fox Business media coverage.
Ryan stated that Johnson “found his footing, and his voice. He did it as a statesman, risking his own personal political fortune for the greater good that he believes in” a comment that has angered many America First voters who feel betrayed by the concessions made to President Joe Biden and the Democratic agenda.
According to Punchbowl News Biden has emerged as the clear “winner” of the 118th Congress having pushed through many of his 2024 priorities without making substantial concessions. These victories achieved with Johnson’s cooperation include reauthorizing FISA subsidizing the Ukraine war and avoiding impeachment.
The backlash against Ryan’s comments comes at a time when the Republican Party has come under fire for their words not matching their actions on border security. And Ryan jumping into the ring with a comment makes people consider why the defacto ousted congressman is commenting on Republican politics at all.
Members of the House Freedom Caucus have questioned the value of a GOP majority under Johnson’s leadership arguing that the party’s agenda has been derailed by Democratic demands.
As the GOP looks to the future its success may depend on its ability to reconcile the demands of its base with the realities of governing a deeply divided country.
