Johnson is Trump's perfect fall guy

Plus, Trump and Republicans erroneously link New Orleans attack to the border

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Friday, Jan. 03, 2025 THE LATEST Mike Johnson volunteers to be Trump's first scapegoat By James Downie Outside a New Year's Eve gathering at his Mar-a-Lago club, Donald Trump was asked to make the case for Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to continue as House speaker. "He's the one that can win right now," Trump replied.   Well, if that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is. But by Trumpian standards, "he's the one that can win" is an honest answer, because the president-elect isn't looking for a capable speaker. The truth is Johnson has what Trump needs: a working pulse, total loyalty and utter disposability. That's all that's required to be the next fall guy for the new Trump era.   This is a preview of James Downie's latest article. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES REP. MARIE GLUESENKAMP PEREZ & REP. JARED GOLDEN Now's the time to make the House more representative. We've got ideas. Those of us in Congress have a responsibility to listen to voters' calls for change. Read more. AUSTIN SARAT What makes Chief Justice John Roberts' end-of-year report so unsettling In Roberts' report, Donald Trump is like a ghost, whose presence is felt if not seen. Read more. NED RESKINOFF  Homelessness has hit record levels. The solution is right in front of us. The story about how homelessness among military veterans fell can tell us a lot about what we need to do in order to end the larger crisis. Read more. CLARISSA-JAN LIM Driver in New Orleans truck attack acted alone and was inspired by ISIS, FBI says The FBI initially said it did not believe the attacker acted alone, but later said investigators were 'confident' he had no accomplices. Read more.         TOP VIDEOS ALL IN Trump and MAGA falsely link New Orleans attack to the border WATCH NOW CHRIS JANSING REPORTS FBI: No definitive link between New Orleans attack and Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas WATCH NOW ANA CABRERA REPORTS Mike Johnson facing thin margin of error for re-election as House speaker WATCH NOW THE REIDOUT Joy explains how the ultra-rich are taking over the U.S. government WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC As President-elect Donald Trump's White House agenda takes shape, follow along with a new MSNBC newsletter, "Trump's First 100 Days." You'll receive weekly updates and expert insight on the key issues and figures defining this second term, all sent straight to your inbox. Sign up now.  Subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening to Rachel Maddow's chart-topping original series and all MSNBC original podcasts. Plus, listen to new episodes of your favorite MSNBC shows like Morning Joe and The ReidOut, all ad-free. And, get bonus content and early access to select shows. Subscribe now: apple.co/msnbcpremium   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE