Trump cheers Johnson winning speaker vote: 'America is back'

Sources told Fox News Digital that the president-elect was in "constant communication" with House Republicans throughout the process. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Trump said it was "a great honor to have helped." 

"It is all a great continuation of 'Make America Great Again,'" Trump said.

"Mike Johnson will do a fabulous job as speaker," Trump said. "House Republican membership was fantastic."

"This process has brought them even closer together," he said. "It is all a reflection of the great presidential election of 2024 where we won all seven swing states, the popular vote and everything else there is to win."

"We will all be working together with total benefit going to the people of our nation," he said. "Our country will be run with strength and common sense again."

He added: "America is back."

Johnson won along party lines during the first round of voting, a stark contrast to his predecessor's drawn-out, 15-round battle in 2023.

Johnson's allies warned in return that a prolonged House speaker fight could delay Congress' joint session to certify President-elect Trump's victory, slated for Monday.

Johnson also had a key backer in Trump, who first emphasized his support for the GOP leader last month in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, and throughout the process. 

"Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support. A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgment of our 129 year most consequential Presidential Election!!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social app.

Johnson wrote on X in response, "Thank you, President Trump! Today is a new day in America. Congressional Republicans must stay united to quickly deliver President Trump's America First agenda. Let's get it done."

Johnson's victory marks the start of his first full term as speaker. Johnson won the gavel in October 2023 after three weeks of closed-door talks following the ouster of ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.