Washington
– Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., doesn’t care that former. President Donald Trump endorsed Kevin McCarthy to be Speaker of the House.
“The endorsement doesn’t matter to me,” said Norman, one of 20 Republican holdouts. Who blocked McCarthy, R-Calif., from winning the majority. He needed in a series of deadlocked votes for House speaker. “Here is our fight.”
Rep. Lorraine Boebert, R-Colo., another anti-McCarthy voter. Expressed anger at Trump and called for opposition on behalf of the angry House GOP leader.
“Let’s stop the campaign gimmicks and the tactics so that people. Turn against us — even if my beloved president calls us and tells us. We have to stop it,” Boebert said on the House floor Wednesday. “I think it actually needs to be reversed. The president needs to tell Kevin McCarthy that, sir, you don’t have the votes, and it’s time to withdraw.”
McCarthy has given no sign that he plans to do so. But it was clear Wednesday — from House floor votes. And interviews with Republican members — that Trump failed to get McCarthy to vote. Through his behind-the-scenes call to lawmakers in his Wednesday.
Morning post on Truth Social. Media platforms.
“Some really good conversations took place last night. And now is the time for all our great Republican House. Members to vote for Kevin, close the deal, take the victory,” Trump wrote. “Republicans, don’t turn a huge victory into a huge and embarrassing defeat.”
But in a new round of voting Wednesday afternoon, Republicans were essentially. Stuck in the same position as they had adjourned on Tuesday. — Before Trump got involved — after three failed attempts to elect the speaker.
Immediately after Trump’s post, the Conservative Action Project. A group of activists and organizations with strong ties to Trump. Issued a counterattack by calling on Republicans to reject McCarthy.
And praising the rebellious lawmakers.
“These members represent millions of voters across the country. Who are fed up with the business-as-usual, self-interested regime in Washington.” wrote the group, which includes Ginny Thomas, wife. of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. And former Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina. “We stand behind them and with them in their courageous efforts to find a Speaker of the House. Who will represent the interests of conservatives. We encourage more conservative members to join their ranks.”
The inertia in the House spoke to the limits of Trump’s power. On an issue that many House Republicans see as an internal dispute.
“I think President Trump has a lot of influence in the Republican Party. Especially among the 20 insurgents — they’re all Trump supporters.” Said Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., who supports McCarthy. but is beginning to consider alternatives. “But I don’t think when you look at an institution over the years and you make up your mind, I don’t think.
President Trump or anybody else is going to change that.”
American Bridge 21st Century, a Democratic super PAC, mocked. Trump on Wednesday for failing to shore up its support. comparing it to the loss of Trump-backed GOP. Candidates in November’s crucial midterm election race.
“Kevin McCarthy is finding out in real time. That Trump’s endorsements are as worthless as the former. president’s NFT collection,” said spokesman Drew Godinich. “We can now add Kevin to the long list of MAGA Republicans Trump failed to cross the finish line.”
P. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., another McCarthy supporter. Said rebel lawmakers should listen to Trump because. he supports them and their cause.
“Maybe they should consider supporting him and his wisdom. That we need to get back to the business of people and stop embarrassing ourselves and elect a speaker,” he said.
Like Buck, Meuser said he’s getting a lot of calls from constituents. About the speaker’s race and that there’s some division. Among GOP voters about the best path forward.
“They care about it,” Meuser added.
Several lawmakers acknowledged that Trump’s pro-McCarthy. message walked a fine line, emboldening support. For the GOP leader without ripping off rebels by name. While Trump has shown little reluctance to publicly. Bash opponents, he cannot afford to alienate rebels — in most cases his friends. — As he seeks the GOP nomination for president in 2024.
Trump did not return a text message seeking comment on whether Trump had applied. Or threatened to pressure anti-McCarthy lawmakers.
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., praised Trump’s support for McCarthy. And said it was unlikely the former president would play. A heavy hand with his longtime allies in the insurgent group.
“I don’t think he will,” Smith said.
Norman said he and Trump don’t just keep an eye on the speaker vote.
“I appreciate what he has done for the country,” Norman said. “I just don’t agree with him.”
