Neoconservative Paul Ryan Praises Johnson For Caving To Democrats

Following a trying week for Americans demanding congressional action from Republicans to secure the wide-open southern border, former House Speaker Paul Ryan — now a Fox Corporation Board of Directors member — commended House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for his role in the Democrats’ unexpected takeover of the House agenda.  

Ryan, who serves on the Fox Corporation’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, stated that Johnson “found his footing, and his voice. He did it as a statesman, risking his own personal political fortune for the greater good that he believes in.” This comment, however, has sparked a significant backlash among the conservative base, which feels betrayed by the concessions made to Joe Biden and the radical Democratic agenda.

According to Punchbowl News, Biden emerged as the clear “winner” of the 118th Congress, having managed to push through many of his 2024 priorities with Johnson’s cooperation, including reauthorizing FISA, subsidizing the Ukraine war, and avoiding impeachment — without having to make any substantial concessions. Members of the House Freedom Caucus and America First voters are wondering what the value of a GOP majority is under Johnson’s direction.

Ryan staffer Brendan Buck wrote in a New York Times op-ed, “A party unable to bring its agenda to the floor for a vote is no longer a functional majority.” Many America First lawmakers feel the same now that the GOP agenda has been utterly derailed by Joe Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

Ryan’s influence within the Fox Corporation raises additional questions. As a board member with significant authority over corporate policies and strategic direction, his public endorsements of Johnson’s tactics have led to calls for greater transparency in how his opinions are presented in Fox News and Fox Business media coverage.

The GOP’s future may depend on its ability to reconcile the demands of its base with the realities of governing a deeply divided country. Johnson’s willingness to bend to Democratic demands without negotiating has not only frustrated the conservative base but also risks alienating the voters who propelled the party to power.