"Johnson's Frequent Talks with Trump Over Border Deal Spark Controversy"

Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he frequently discusses congressional border negotiations with former President Donald Trump, who urged him to oppose compromising. Johnson reiterated the Republican stance that any additional aid to Ukraine must include significant changes to border policy, resembling the conservative-favored H.R. 2. He emphasized the importance of national border security and expressed opposition to any compromise with Democrats, while also calling for President Biden to take executive action to resolve border issues. Senate negotiations with the Biden administration face potential obstacles due to Johnson's hardline position.