House Republicans gave Mike Johnson the speaker's gavel for two years on Friday – along with a warning. Nine GOP lawmakers at first either abstained from voting for Johnson or voted for a different person for speaker.

House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared headed for defeat before two Republicans switched their vote, delivering him a majority.

Johnson, of Louisiana, has been working diligently to prevent defeat, spending New Year’s Day at Mar-a-Lago as he positions himself alongside Trump. The speaker often portrays himself as the “quarterback” who will be executing the political plays called by the “coach,” the president-elect.