The transformation of House Speaker Mike Johnson on support for Ukraine

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, made a surprising turnaround last week when he allowed the House to vote for $95 billion in funds for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This decision came after months of behind-the-scenes campaigning by intelligence chiefs, White House officials, European diplomats, and even Ukrainian human rights groups.

The pivotal moment came after President Joe Biden personally pressured Johnson to stop stalling over the funding bill for Kyiv and Israel. The intense encounter in the Oval Office, which also included other key political figures, led to Johnson’s eventual decision to support the aid package.

Johnson, who had previously voted against Ukraine aid, was swayed by intelligence briefings and personal appeals from Ukrainian Christians and activists. The Ukrainian group Razom even organized a speaking tour for a Ukrainian basketball star who had ties to Louisiana, Johnson’s home state.

In addition to supporting Ukraine, Johnson also pushed for more accountability over how the funds would be spent and called for additional sanctions on Russian entities. He also secured more weapons support for Kyiv, reflecting requests made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The decision to support the aid package was also influenced by a massive aerial assault on Israel by Iran, which added urgency to the situation. Johnson emphasized the importance of standing behind US allies like Israel in times of crisis.

Overall, Johnson’s decision to support the aid package reflects a complex mix of political pressure, personal appeals, and strategic considerations in the face of escalating conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.