Sat Oct 25 11:10:00 UTC 2025: ## House Speaker Under Fire for Inaction During Shutdown, Critics Say He’s Ceding Power to Trump

Washington, D.C. – House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing increasing scrutiny and criticism for his handling of the ongoing government shutdown, with many accusing him of deliberately weakening the legislative branch and becoming subservient to former President Donald Trump. For over a month, the House has been on indefinite hiatus, with no policy debates, votes, or oversight hearings taking place.

Critics argue that Johnson’s decision to keep the House out of session is a strategic move to maintain party unity, preventing dissenting Republican voices from emerging. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich suggested that keeping representatives away from Washington minimizes the risk of “mixed messages” on the shutdown.

However, the strategy is drawing fire from across the political spectrum. Some Republicans, like Representatives Kevin Kiley and Beth Van Duyne, are calling for the House to return to work. Even prominent Trump allies like Stephen Bannon are expressing dismay at Johnson’s inaction, arguing that Congress needs to codify Trump’s policies into law.

The Speaker’s actions extend beyond simply keeping the House out of session. He has refused to swear in a newly elected Democratic congresswoman, Adelita Grijalva, citing procedural concerns that have been widely dismissed as baseless. He has also defended a series of controversial actions by Trump, including the commutation of George Santos’ sentence and the former president’s demand for $230 million in reimbursement for federal investigations.

Democrats are particularly scathing in their assessment of Johnson’s leadership. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Trump of having “effectively abolished the House of Representatives,” while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries suggested that Republican leaders are acting without Trump’s permission.

Experts warn that Johnson’s moves could have lasting negative consequences for the House, shaping the understanding of new members regarding the institution’s role and power. Some are going as far as calling the current Congress “the state Duma,” referencing the Russian legislative body known for its limited power.

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