MSNBC’s Ali Vitali had some strong words about the potential government shutdown during her appearance on Morning Joe.
She thinks it’s just a taste of the trouble the Republican Party is in for over the next four years, thanks to interference from president-elect Donald Trump and his billionaire adviser, Elon Musk... Continue reading here ▶
Vitali, who’s taking over as host of Way Too Early next week, didn’t hold back when talking about House Speaker Mike Johnson’s struggles.
She told outgoing host Jonathan Lemire that Johnson is having a tough time getting his party in line with Trump’s unpredictable budget demands. It’s made Johnson’s job nearly impossible, and there’s serious doubt he’ll last much longer as Speaker.
But here’s the real question Vitali raised: who would even want that job?
“Why would anyone want to be Speaker at this point?” Vitali said bluntly. “It’s easily the hardest and most thankless job in Washington.”
She pointed out the chaos that followed Kevin McCarthy’s ousting as Speaker, and she doesn’t see things getting any easier for Johnson—or anyone else who might take his place.
“President-elect Trump has shown that things are only going to get worse,” she said. “He’s unpredictable and can’t even be counted on to back his own team once negotiations are underway.”
And let’s not forget Elon Musk’s influence. Vitali didn’t mince words about how Musk’s involvement is making things harder for lawmakers who just want to get their work done.
For now, some Republicans are sticking with Johnson simply because he’s managed to “herd the cats,” as Vitali put it. “A lot of Republicans think, ‘Let’s just stick with the guy we know,’” she said. “But honestly, who knows what’s next?”
With Trump and Musk pulling the strings, it’s clear the GOP is in for a bumpy ride. The big question is whether Johnson can survive the chaos—or if the Speaker’s gavel will find itself up for grabs again soon. What do you think? Let me know in the comments
