In a tumultuous turn of events on Capitol Hill, Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson has been chosen as the 56th Speaker of the House, becoming the highest-ranking Republican in Washington. The decision, which ended weeks of chaos and uncertainty, highlights the formidable influence of former President Donald Trump in shaping the Republican Party and the direction of American politics.

The selection of Johnson as Speaker came after an intense caucus meeting on Tuesday night, during which tensions ran high and the leadership of the House demonstrated an authoritarian streak. Standing alongside Johnson were fellow Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise, New York Representative Elise Stefanik, and Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert, reflecting the diverse makeup of the Republican Party under Trump's sway.

The atmosphere during the announcement was marked by confrontations with the press, as members of the leadership team shouted down and derided journalists. The actions and attitudes displayed by the incoming Speaker and his allies underscored a disregard for free and fair elections, policy discussions, and the First Amendment.

The role that Trump played in this Speaker selection process cannot be underestimated. His ability to exert influence from afar, using social media and personal connections, demonstrated the extent of his control over Capitol Hill Republicans. Those who deviated even slightly from the ex-president's claims of election fraud, such as Representative Tom Emmer, faced swift retribution and exclusion from higher office.

Trump's ultimate victory in this ordeal lies in his ability to further cement the belief that the nation's capital is incapable of effective governance. By sowing chaos and division, he creates an opening for his future ambitions, positioning himself as the only one capable of restoring order through an autocratic approach. The recent turmoil on Capitol Hill serves as a stepping stone for his potential run in the 2024 presidential election, with the narrative of a strongman needed to remedy an increasingly dysfunctional system.

Johnson's ascension to the Speaker position, while alarming due to his extreme Christian nationalist views, is not the immediate danger. The true peril lies in the unyielding right-wing radicalism of both Johnson and his fellow Republicans, which sets the stage for governmental gridlock and potential shutdowns in the near future. Chaos and disruption, as outlined by Trump's advisor Steve Bannon, are seen as necessary for their vision of national renewal.

As the Johnson era begins, it is important for the public to remain engaged and informed. The impending breakdown of functional governance could create a volatile environment, which some voters may blame on President Joe Biden, despite external factors and actors at play. Trump's continued relevance in the polls, despite legal troubles and unconventional behavior, highlights the need for a discussion on the future of American democracy and the role of authoritarianism within it.

The faces of those who stood defiantly before the cameras on Tuesday night serve as a chilling reminder of the ideological minority rule that these MAGA loyalists hope to impose on the nation. The coming years will be pivotal in determining the fate of American democracy and whether the silent majority will choose to remain silent or actively engage in safeguarding the principles that the country was founded upon.