The Turbulent Night Before a Political Storm: Speaker Mike Johnson’s Uphill Battle for Ukraine Aid

The night before Speaker Mike Johnson made the bold decision to push a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine, he found himself in a luxury hotel suite overlooking the Potomac River, grappling with the weight of potential mutiny. His wife, Kelly Johnson, later recalled that night as one of immense turmoil. "We assumed we were done," she reflected in an interview. "We thought we were going home." Mr. Johnson spent the sleepless hours praying in the living room of their suite at the Pendry, preparing himself for the political fallout that could cost him his speakership. By morning, he had made up his mind: he would proceed with the legislation, regardless of the personal or political consequences, convinced that it was the right thing to do. He wanted to be on the "right side of history," supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

Less than a year later, Mr. Johnson still holds his position, but his stance on Ukraine has undergone a dramatic shift. This reversal reflects a broader transformation within the Republican Party, as even some of Congress’s most vocal Russia hawks have aligned themselves with former President Donald Trump’s pursuit of warmer relations with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin. Mr. Trump has blamed Ukraine for the conflict, labeled its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, as "a dictator," and dismissed the aid package as a "terrible deal" for the United States. The shift became glaringly apparent during a heated meeting in the Oval Office, where Mr. Trump berated President Zelensky, leading to a dramatic rupture in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Mr. Johnson, who once risked his political career to support Ukraine, now openly cheers on Mr. Trump, declaring on social media, "What we witnessed in the Oval Office today was an American President putting America first."

The Secret Talks and the Battle Within the GOP

Behind the scenes, Mr. Johnson engaged in highly secretive negotiations with top Biden administration officials to salvage the Ukraine aid package. These talks were conducted with exceptional caution, with Mr. Johnson’s staff avoiding written records and scheduling meetings outside of work hours to prevent leaks. Hayden Haynes, Mr. Johnson’s chief of staff, even met with Shuwanza Goff, the White House’s director of legislative affairs, at a dog park late at night to exchange proposals, evoking the clandestine tactics of a spy thriller. These efforts were part of a broader strategy to shore up support for Ukraine, driven by Mr. Johnson’s belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin posed a significant threat to European stability and NATO allies.

However, Mr. Johnson’s efforts were not without resistance. He faced intense pushback from hard-right members of his own party, particularly Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who threatened to oust him if he allowed the aid bill to proceed. In one tense meeting, Ms. Greene compared the classified intelligence justifying the aid to the flawed intelligence that led the U.S. to invade Iraq, warning Mr. Johnson to be skeptical of the "deep state" and its motives. She dismissed his concerns about the potential consequences of inaction, labeling his pro-Trump advisors as part of the same "deep state." Mr. Johnson, visibly frustrated, questioned whether Ms. Greene would trust anyone in the Pentagon or consider the broader geopolitical implications. Her response was a resounding "no," and she accused him of cowardice for not following her gut instincts.

Despite the challenges, Mr. Johnson managed to move the bill forward, surviving politically with the help of Democrats who blocked Ms. Greene’s motion to oust him. His efforts earned him praise from President Zelensky, who called his decision a "show of leadership and strength." However, the experience left Mr. Johnson drained, as he spent countless hours managing restive Republicans and acting, as he joked, as a "mental health counselor" to his colleagues.

A Political Reversal: From Champion of Ukraine to Trump Ally

Mr. Johnson’s current stance on Ukraine marks a stark departure from his position just a year ago. While he claims that his views have not changed, his alignment with Mr. Trump’s narrative has raised eyebrows. He now echoes Kremlin talking points, expressing concerns about the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government due to the absence of elections during the war. This shift has been met with criticism, as many view it as a capitulation to Mr. Trump’s influence.

Mr. Johnson defends his decision to send aid to Ukraine as a strategic move to set the stage for Mr. Trump to broker a peace deal upon his return to office. He argues that the aid package strengthened Ukraine’s position, making it possible for negotiations to take place. However, this rationale has been met with skepticism, as it seems to downplay the broader geopolitical implications of U.S. support for Ukraine and the ongoing threat posed by Russia.

The Fallout and the Broader Implications

The fallout from Mr. Johnson’s reversal has been significant. His once-bold stance on Ukraine has given way to a more cautious, Trump-aligned approach, reflecting a broader shift within the Republican Party. This transformation has been celebrated by figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has taken a "victory lap" on social media, embracing her reputation as "Moscow Marjorie" and declaring it a "badge of honor." Her actions highlight the deep divisions within the GOP and the growing influence of pro-Russian sentiment among some of its members.

Mr. Johnson’s journey from a champion of Ukraine aid to a Trump ally underscores the complex and often fraught nature of political decision-making in Washington. While he may argue that his stance has not changed, the shift in his rhetoric and actions tells a different story. As the U.S. continues to grapple with the implications of the Ukraine conflict, Mr. Johnson’s evolution serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining principle in the face of political pressure and the ever-shifting landscape of American politics.