Johnson Declares Trump’s Power Undiminished After Indiana Redistricting Failure

By Jim Mishler | Friday, December 12, 2025, 4:10 PM EST

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stated Friday that the defeat of a congressional redistricting plan in Indiana—backed by President Donald Trump—does not indicate a diminishment of his political power heading into midterm elections.

When pressed by a reporter on whether the outcome suggested Trump was becoming a lame duck, Johnson sharply replied: “Not at all. No, he is not a lame duck.”

Johnson emphasized that Trump remains highly influential and dismissed the significance of the failed redistricting effort. “He’s the most powerful president of this generation and many others,” Johnson added.

“We have a lot more work to do together. The outcome in Indiana is inconsequential to that.”

On whether Trump had mounted a strong pressure campaign for the plan, Johnson rejected that characterization: “No, he didn’t. He did not put a major pressure campaign for it. He let his opinion be known as he does on everything, all the time, all day long.”

The redistricting proposal—which could have added Republican seats to the U.S. House of Representatives—was championed by Johnson and Vice President JD Vance. Trump had urged Indiana lawmakers to approve it.

Prior to the vote, the Heritage Foundation reported via social media that Trump warned Indiana officials of serious consequences for failing to adopt the plan, including loss of federal funding for roads, military bases, and other major infrastructure projects.

The Indiana Senate ultimately rejected the proposal in a 31-19 vote.

Following the rejection, Trump posted on social media expressing disappointment: “Very disappointed in Indiana State Senate Republicans, led by RINO Senators Rod Bray and Greg Goode, for not wanting to redistrict their State, allowing the United States Congress to perhaps gain two more Republican seats.”

Trump also threatened to support primary challengers against Republicans who opposed the measure.

Johnson stated that the setback does not change his outlook for midterm elections: “We win some, we lose some,” he said. “It is no indication whatsoever about what’s going to happen next year in the midterm elections.”