A recent poll conducted at the AmericaFest convention revealed that a significant number of attendees were dissatisfied with Rep. Mike Johnson's leadership as Speaker of the House.

A straw poll conducted at the event, which took place from Dec. 19-22, found that 58.8% of attendees believe Johnson should not remain speaker due to dissatisfaction with his handling of recent legislative actions, as Breitbart reports.

The poll, shared by Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, showed that only 22% of attendees approve of Johnson's leadership. A further 62% expressed disapproval of his performance. When asked whether Johnson should remain Speaker, 58.8% said no, while 13.7% said yes, and 27.5% were uncertain.

The poll results coincide with a Rasmussen Reports survey that also highlighted Johnson's declining popularity. According to Rasmussen, only 38% of respondents view Johnson favorably, a drop from 44% in April. Of that 38%, only 14% have a “very” favorable view. Additionally, 36% of those surveyed have an unfavorable opinion of Johnson, with 19% viewing him “very” unfavorably.

Declining Approval Across the Political Spectrum

When asked to compare Johnson with previous House Speakers, 41% of respondents said he is “about the same,” while 24% believe he is “worse” than his predecessors. A smaller portion, 20%, said Johnson is “better” than previous Speakers. Among Democrats, 33% thought Johnson was worse, while 26% of independents and 13% of Republicans shared the same view.

This broad dissatisfaction cuts across party lines, with a plurality of respondents -- Democrats, Republicans, and independents -- saying Johnson’s performance has been largely comparable to that of past Speakers. However, the most critical voices came from Republicans, many of whom felt his leadership had not lived up to expectations.

Strained Leadership After Controversial Spending Deal

Johnson's troubles as Speaker can be traced to his handling of a controversial 1,537-page continuing resolution (CR), which was passed amid significant debate. The deal included a pay raise for members of Congress, which was widely criticized by conservatives. Many viewed the spending package as a missed opportunity to address key priorities, especially with its inclusion of what some described as “pork” for various projects.

The CR’s passage was also viewed as a victory for Democrats, who did not oppose the deal, further souring conservative opinions of Johnson’s leadership. For many Republicans, the resolution represented a failure to rein in government spending and adhere to fiscal conservatism.

GOP Divisions Over Johnson's Leadership

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), a prominent critic of Johnson, reiterated his stance that he would vote for someone other than Johnson to be the speaker. Massie criticized the justification for Johnson’s election, particularly the claim that his election was essential for certifying the election on Jan. 6, 2021. In a statement, Massie argued that electing a speaker like Johnson, who he described as “weak” and “beholden to the swamp,” would not fulfill the mandate given to President Trump and Congress by voters in November.

“I’m not persuaded by the ‘Hurry up and elect him so we can certify the election on J6’ argument,” Massie said. “A weak legislative branch, beholden to the swamp, will not be able to achieve the mandate voters gave Trump and Congress in November.”

Massie’s comments reflect broader dissatisfaction within the Republican Party. Other members of the House have hinted that they may support a different candidate for speaker when the House reconvenes on Jan. 3, 2025.

Growing Resistance to Johnson's Speakership

The fallout from the continuing resolution is just one of several factors contributing to Johnson’s declining support within the GOP. Critics argue that his leadership style has failed to unite the party and deliver on promises made during the 2024 election cycle. As tensions rise over his handling of the CR and other issues, there are increasing calls within the party for a change in leadership.

Some Republican members are even willing to publicly back alternative candidates, signaling the potential for a leadership challenge when the new Congress is seated. Johnson’s position as speaker, once seen as secure, now faces significant jeopardy as a result of growing dissatisfaction from within his own party.

A Shift in GOP Priorities and Leadership

The divide over Johnson’s performance speaks to a broader tension within the Republican Party as it grapples with internal disagreements over priorities and the direction of the legislative agenda. With the 2024 election results still fresh, many conservatives are looking for leadership that can effectively counterbalance the influence of Democrats and address the fiscal challenges facing the country.

As the Jan. 3, 2025, vote approaches, the pressure on Johnson to either improve his standing or step aside will continue to mount. For now, the AmericaFest poll has served as a stark reminder that his leadership may be increasingly in question.

What’s Next for the GOP?

With Johnson’s future in doubt, the GOP will face a critical decision in the coming weeks about the direction of its leadership. As tensions flare over recent legislative actions and the upcoming election cycle, the party’s ability to unite behind a single candidate will be key to its success in the 2024-2025 legislative period.

Despite the current turmoil, the outcome of the January vote could provide a clearer picture of where the Republican Party stands as it enters a new chapter in its leadership.