This morning, we’re publishing a sample of your opinions – on a wide range of topics – from recent issues of Trump’s Playbook - The Rundown.

We kick things off with Lorre J. who writes: “Authorities admit that the detonation of the Tesla in Las Vegas was less sophisticated than they would expect from the Green Beret.

“Thank goodness SOMEONE isn’t swallowing this tale they seem to be spinning. Just too many coincidences.”

Beverly T. continues, offering support for Tulsi Gabbard: “I agree with Tulsi. She is the only woman I would have voted for for president. In my opinion, the U.S. got it wrong.”

Dan C. comments on potential challenges for Trump’s cabinet nominees: “I think all of the cabinet nominees you’ve discussed will get pushback from the Senate Republicans or at least from RINOs. All of these nominees have one thing in common: They are known rebels who are clearly anti-Swamp.”

William B. shares his perspective on one of Trump’s cabinet picks: “RFK Jr. is the perfect nominee to become Secretary of Health and Human Services. Americans’ health is among the worst of Western nations. The alphabet agencies totally blew the response to Covid. Time for a change!”

And, like so many of you, Katherine S. supported the idea of Elon Musk as Speaker of the House…

Your Rundown for Monday, January 6, 2025...

Johnson’s Razor-Thin Victory in House Speaker Vote

“It would be a great idea,” she writes. “It would upset the established norms that haven’t worked for American citizens for decades!”

But, according to an important House vote on Friday, that was not to be…

The House of Representatives held a crucial vote for Speaker Mike Johnson to retain his position. The vote was exceptionally close, highlighting the precarious nature of Johnson's leadership.

Johnson secured victory by the narrowest of margins. The final tally was 218 votes in favor of Johnson, exactly the minimum required for a majority in the 435-member House.

Several members of the conservative Freedom Caucus, who had previously withheld support, ultimately voted for Johnson after extracting concessions on issues such as budget cuts and procedural rules.

• Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Keith Self (R-TX) “received phone calls from President-elect Donald Trump between their initial votes against Speaker Mike Johnson and their eventual flips to support him, according to two Republicans who were granted anonymity to speak candidly,” Politico reports.

Johnson's survival was also aided by the absence of a few Democratic members, which lowered the threshold for a majority. However, this narrow win suggests that Johnson's speakership remains vulnerable to future challenges.

The vote's outcome demonstrates the delicate balance Johnson must maintain between different factions of his party, as well as the ongoing influence of President-elect Trump in House Republican politics.

Furthermore, the GOP's narrow hold on the House presents hurdles for advancing Trump's agenda. Republicans already face a limited window to enact significant policy changes.

This situation mirrors Trump's first term, when major initiatives like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 were passed within the initial 18 months of his administration.

The success of Trump's agenda hinges on his ability to maintain party unity and navigate the complexities of a closely divided Congress.

Market Rundown for Monday, Jan. 6, 2025

S&P 500 futures are up 0.75% to 6,035.

Oil is up 0.60% to $74.40 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is barely in the green, taking a breather at $2,655.30 per ounce.

And Bitcoin is up almost 1% to $99,100.