Rep. Elise Stefanik and Speaker Mike Johnson met Wednesday afternoon after tensions between the two boiled over this week.
The relationship between the two senior Republicans has deteriorated after President Donald Trump pulled Stefanik’s nomination to be ambassador to the United Nations — a move Stefanik allies blame on Johnson after Trump cited the slim House GOP majority. Two people with direct knowledge of the meeting described it as a step to possibly settle the situation.
Their flare-up spilled further into public view this week after Johnson suggested he had talked with Stefanik about her possible bid for New York governor, prompting her to post on X that it was not true. A New York Times story published Wednesday further explored the tensions, quoting Stefanik telling Johnson she was the “angriest member” he’d have to deal with.
After Wednesday’s meeting, Johnson downplayed any tensions: “She’s a close friend, trusted friend,” he said.
Asked if he had reached a detente with Stefanik, Johnson laughed. “No, no,” he said. “This is a totally friendly, collegial thing. She’s a close friend and ally.”
One flashpoint has been Johnson’s announced plan to put Stefanik back on the House Intelligence Committee — something that has yet to happen. Johnson said Wednesday he intended to follow through “as soon as possible.”
