President Donald Trump stepped in at the last minute to help House Speaker Mike Johnson move closer to ending the government shutdown.

On Monday, Trump secured support from two Republican holdouts. Their shift brings Johnson closer to advancing a spending bill in the House.

The development came after meetings at the White House earlier in the day.

Two GOP Holdouts Shift Position

Reps. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Tim Burchett of Tennessee had opposed the procedural vote needed to bring the funding bills to the House floor.

After meeting with Trump, both lawmakers said they are now leaning toward voting “yes” on the rule.

That vote is critical for Johnson. Without it, the spending package cannot advance.

Their support would narrow the gap Johnson faces within his own party.

Promise on the SAVE Act

In exchange, Luna and Burchett said they received assurances on a separate issue.

They were told the Senate would vote on the SAVE Act.

The bill would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

“There is something called a standing filibuster,” Luna said, referring to a procedural path in the Senate.

She said Senate Majority Leader John Thune is considering that option.

“We want to vote on voter ID in the Senate,” she added.

Johnson Sees Momentum

Speaker Johnson said on Monday that he believes Republicans now have the votes to pass the rule.

If successful, the House could move forward as early as Tuesday.

Politico first reported Johnson’s assessment.

However, the margin remains slim.

White House Engages Freedom Caucus

White House officials James Braid and Jeff Freeland met with members of the House Freedom Caucus on Monday evening.

Sources in the room said the discussion focused on the SAVE Act and Senate procedure.

The aides also discussed the use of a standing filibuster.

According to one House Republican, the officials said they plan to speak directly with Thune.

Freedom Caucus members raised concerns about a two-week continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security.

White House officials responded that the short-term measure would provide time between key events.

They also said Immigration and Customs Enforcement is fully funded regardless of a DHS bill.

Some Conservatives Begin to Fold

Despite continued resistance, signs of movement are emerging.

Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina said during a Rules Committee hearing that he will “reluctantly” vote yes.

That announcement signaled growing pressure within the GOP conference.

Trump has been central to that effort.

Trump Works the Phones

Several lawmakers said Trump has been personally calling members.

“He’s all in,” Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma told reporters.

Cole said the White House is actively working to unify Republicans.

“When they work hard, they tend to be successful,” he added.

Trump’s private outreach has matched his public messaging.

Public Pressure From Trump

On Monday, Trump urged lawmakers to back the Senate package.

“There can be NO changes at this time,” he wrote on Truth Social.

He warned that altering the bill could derail the effort.

Johnson echoed that message.

“We all want the SAVE Act,” Johnson said. “But we have to look at the reality of the numbers.”

He added that Congress should not play games with government funding.

Johnson Faces Narrow Margin

The vote comes at a difficult moment for the speaker.

Johnson’s majority narrowed further on Monday.

He swore in Rep. Christian Menefee of Texas, who won a special election.

That leaves Johnson with a one-vote cushion.

Any defection could derail the plan.

More Challenges Ahead

Even if the rule passes, Johnson’s challenges will continue.

Freedom Caucus members want a seat at the table for full-year DHS negotiations.

Conservatives are rejecting immigration reforms backed by Democrats.

They want their own priorities included instead.

That tension could resurface in the coming weeks.

Congress has limited time to pass a full-year funding bill.

The Bottom Line

Once again, Trump is stepping in to secure Republican votes.

His late push has shifted momentum in Johnson’s favor.

Still, the outcome remains uncertain.

The next votes will test both Trump’s influence and Johnson’s grip on the House.