Speaker Mike Johnson faces mounting pressure from all sides as he scrambles to pass a government funding measure while fending off criticism from within his own party—and even from high-profile allies like Elon Musk. The situation not only threatens a partial government shutdown but also poses a significant challenge to Johnson’s hold on the Speakership as the January 3 vote looms.

In an effort to quell conservative opposition, Johnson’s leadership team is considering abandoning the current spending package, which includes over $100 billion in disaster aid, $30 billion for farmers, and a one-year farm bill extension. Instead, the plan would pivot to a “clean” continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded into the new year. This strategy aims to avoid adding controversial provisions that have divided the GOP.

While this approach might appease hardline conservatives who oppose additional spending, it risks alienating Democrats who won key concessions in the original package. Losing Democratic support would make it even harder to secure the votes needed to avoid a shutdown.

Musk’s vocal criticism of the spending plan on X has amplified Republican opposition. By declaring that lawmakers who vote for the bill “deserve to be voted out in two years,” Musk has emboldened conservatives who were already skeptical of the plan. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) admitted Musk’s comments have had a tangible effect, with some members increasingly hesitant to support Johnson’s strategy.

The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . .

Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk . . . think about it . . . nothing’s impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka ‘uniparty,’ lose their ever-lovin’…

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 19, 2024

At the same time, Musk’s involvement has frustrated Republicans who see him as an outsider with little understanding of the intricacies of Washington. While Musk’s push for fiscal restraint aligns with Republican ideals, his calls for a shutdown are viewed by some as unrealistic and politically damaging.

Even if Johnson shifts to a clean CR, his troubles won’t disappear. Many conservatives simply oppose temporary funding measures, regardless of their content. For instance, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) praised Musk’s entry into the debate but reiterated his own long-standing opposition to CRs.

Further complicating matters, Johnson faces growing dissatisfaction among his traditional allies. Reports indicate that dozens of House Republicans, including some who typically support Johnson, are skeptical of his ability to unite the party behind the current plan—or any plan.

Johnson’s handling of the spending issue has cast a shadow over his bid to remain Speaker. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has already announced he will not vote for Johnson in January, citing grievances over spending strategy. With the GOP’s razor-thin majority, Johnson can afford to lose no more than one Republican vote in the January 3 Speakership election, assuming all members are present.

The current turmoil has revived discussions among Republicans about alternative leadership. If Johnson cannot secure a “majority of the majority” on spending, it could weaken his position heading into the leadership vote.

Adding to the complexity, Johnson will likely need Democratic support to pass even a clean CR. Moderate Democrats in purple districts may feel pressured to keep the government running, but many are wary of abandoning the concessions they fought to include in the original bill.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) warned Republicans against abandoning bipartisan agreements, calling it a betrayal of working-class Americans and threatening consequences for any GOP shutdown.