Is House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on the brink of losing his gavel over a messy government shutdown?

The drama unfolding in Washington has Johnson under fire from both sides of the aisle for refusing to reconvene the House during a funding lapse, while a standoff over Affordable Care Act subsidies adds fuel to the fire in which some are even predicting his ouster from leadership, as The Hill reports.

Johnson, who secured a second term as speaker earlier this year with robust backing from President Donald Trump, is now facing a rebellion that could cost him dearly. His decision to keep the House out of session amid the shutdown has drawn sharp criticism, even from within his own party.

Shutdown standoff spurs GOP frustration

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) a vocal supporter of conservative priorities, didn’t mince words about Johnson’s inaction. “I think he should really bring the House back in session for many reasons,” she told CNN on Wednesday. Well, when even the firebrands in your own camp are calling you out, that’s a signal the leadership stove is getting too hot to handle.

Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) piled on during a Thursday appearance on CNN’s The Source, suggesting that Johnson’s strategy is less about principle and more about dodging internal heat. “Johnson sent his team home, not necessarily just to put pressure on us, but so he doesn’t get pressure from his own members,” Gallego said. If that’s true, it’s a risky game of hide-and-seek for a Speaker already on thin ice.

Gallego didn’t stop there, predicting a grim future for Johnson’s tenure. It’s a bold claim, but when a Democrat smells blood in the water, you have to wonder if the sharks are circling closer than we think.

ACA subsidies add to chaos

The shutdown isn’t the only issue fraying nerves -- there’s also a bitter dispute over extending Affordable Care Act premium subsidies before open enrollment begins on Nov. 1.

Senate Democrats are stonewalling a temporary funding fix, demanding GOP support for the subsidies first. It’s a classic D.C. impasse, where everyone’s playing hardball and taxpayers are left holding the bag.

On the Republican side, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) made it clear that no talks on subsidies will happen until the funding lapse is resolved.

That’s a firm line in the sand, but it risks alienating folks who rely on those healthcare supports.

Greene also slammed Johnson for a lack of transparency on the subsidy issue, pointing to a broader failure of leadership. It’s a fair jab -- when your own conference feels left in the dark, how can you expect to rally the troops?

Internal GOP divisions emerge

Johnson’s troubles aren’t new; his first term saw plenty of grumbling from within the GOP ranks. Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Keith Self (R-TX) were vocal critics, though they ultimately backed him for a second stint. Still, that lingering discontent shows not everyone’s singing from the same hymnbook.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) stands out as the lone defector in the vote for Johnson’s second term, consistently critiquing his leadership during the 119th Congress.

When even one member breaks ranks so publicly, it’s a crack in the foundation that opponents -- on both sides -- can exploit.

This shutdown saga is a test of Johnson’s ability to unify a fractious party while fending off Democrats' pressure. If he can’t navigate this storm, Gallego’s prediction might just become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Can Johnson weather the storm?

For conservatives who value strong leadership over endless gridlock, Johnson’s current path raises eyebrows. Refusing to reconvene the House might be a tactical move, but it risks painting the GOP as indifferent to urgent national needs. That’s not the image a party championing working families wants to project.

The Affordable Care Act subsidy debate only complicates matters, with Senate Democrats holding firm and GOP leaders like Thune refusing to budge until the shutdown ends. It’s a standoff that could drag on, leaving critical healthcare supports in limbo for countless Americans.

Johnson’s speakership hangs in a delicate balance -- caught between internal party dissent and a relentless opposition eager to capitalize on any misstep. If he doesn’t find a way to steer this ship through choppy waters, the gavel might slip from his grasp sooner than anyone expects. Let’s hope he’s got a plan up his sleeve, because right now, the clock is ticking louder than ever.