How Mike Johnson pulled out a 2nd term as House speaker -- with Donald Trump's help

 Republican Mike Johnson was reelected House speaker on Friday, narrowly winning a showdown with his party's right-flank after a last-minute assist from President-elect Donald Trump.

Johnson was handed the gavel after a dramatic vote that saw the Louisiana native on track to lose on the first ballot minutes before two Republican lawmakers approached the desk and changed their stance following what one called a "lively discussion" with Trump.

Speaking after the victory, Johnson pledged to implement Trump's "American First" agenda.

"The American people have called on us to reject business as usual and throw out the status quo," he said. "We must and we will heed their call."

Rep. Mike Johnson is sworn in as Speaker of the House after being re-elected, on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025.

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Johnson entered the U.S. Capitol on Friday morning facing more than a dozen undecided Republican members. He had spent the day before meeting with the possible detractors in his office, and expressed confidence he would be successful but brushed off the broader implications if he were to lose on the first try.

Moments before the roll call vote began, Johnson publicly released new commitments on spending and fiscal responsibility seemingly aimed at satisfying some of his skeptical colleagues, many of whom were angered over his handling of the government funding fight before Christmas.

Rep. Victoria Spartz and Rep. Chip Roy confer during the first session of the 119th Congress, ahead of the vote for Speaker of the House in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025.

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The move appeared to bode well for Johnson as the vote kicked off and several previously undecided Republicans cast their vote for him.

But trouble began when some House Freedom Caucus members withheld their votes at first, not answering when their name was called.

Then came three Republican defections, effectively taking away Johnson's narrow path to victory.