WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump has thrown his support behind House Speaker Mike Johnson as he prepares to solidify his leadership position within the Republican Party in Congress.

On Monday, Trump took to his social media platform to commend Johnson, describing him as a “hardworking, religious man” hailing from Louisiana. Trump expressed his belief that Johnson would act in the best interest of the party, stating, “We will keep WINNING.”

“Mike has my Full and Unconditional Endorsement,” Trump declared with conviction.

Johnson’s role seemed precarious after a tumultuous debate over federal funding that nearly triggered a government shutdown just before Christmas. Although a compromise was ultimately reached, the situation underscored Johnson’s limited influence and the divisions within his party.

His initial proposals for funding faced setbacks as Trump, who is set to take office on January 20, stepped in, advising Congress to either suspend or increase the debt ceiling.

Read More: How a Government Shutdown Could Impact American Citizens

To reinforce his standing, Johnson has been actively working to align himself with Trump, assuring the president-elect of his commitment to raise the debt ceiling by 2025.

Despite some Republican members voicing potential opposition to Johnson before the January 3 vote, Trump had remained silent regarding Johnson’s prospects for leadership.

Representative Victoria Spartz, a Republican who previously opposed Kevin McCarthy’s initial bid for the speakership, stated on Monday that “the next speaker must show courageous leadership to guide our country back on track.”

The Indiana lawmaker went on to detail several expectations for the next GOP leader, particularly stressing the necessity for substantial spending reforms. Concurrently, Representative Andy Harris, chair of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, hinted that Johnson’s leadership might be at risk as the holidays approached.

In a post on X from December 20, Harris commented that Republicans have not adequately tackled the issues of “spending, deficits, and inflation” since Trump’s electoral victory in November.

Consequently, Harris expressed doubt, stating, “I am now uncertain about what House leadership should resemble in the 119th Congress.”

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This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri in Washington.