WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump has thrown his support behind House Speaker Mike Johnson as he prepares to solidify his leadership among Republicans in Congress.

In a message shared on his social media platform on Monday, Trump lauded Johnson as a “hardworking, religious individual” from Louisiana, stating his belief that “he will make the right decisions, and we will continue to WIN.”

“Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement,” Trump declared strongly.

Johnson’s leadership appeared to be at risk following a heated debate regarding federal funding strategies that nearly resulted in a government shutdown just before Christmas. Although an agreement was ultimately reached, the situation underscored the challenges Johnson faces in maintaining unity within his party.

His initial proposals for funding did not gain traction, particularly after Trump intervened, urging Congress to either suspend or raise the debt ceiling ahead of his inauguration on January 20.

Read More: How a Government Shutdown Could Impact Americans

To strengthen his position, Johnson has actively sought to align himself with Trump, assuring the president-elect that he would meet demands to elevate the debt ceiling by 2025.

Despite some Republican members voicing concerns about Johnson’s leadership potential before the January 3 vote, Trump had remained silent on the matter until now.

Representative Victoria Spartz, a Republican who previously opposed Kevin McCarthy’s initial bid for the speakership, expressed on Monday that “the next speaker must exhibit courageous leadership to guide our nation back on the right path.”

The Indiana congresswoman outlined several expectations for the next GOP leader, highlighting the urgent need for substantial spending reforms. Meanwhile, Representative Andy Harris, who chairs the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, raised concerns about the stability of Johnson’s leadership role as the holidays approach.

In a statement posted on X on December 20, Harris noted that Republicans have not adequately tackled “spending, deficits, and inflation” since Trump’s election victory in November.

Consequently, he expressed uncertainty regarding the desired direction of House leadership in the upcoming 119th Congress.

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This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri in Washington.