The 20-member revolt preventing Kevin McCarthy from assuming the speakership is being explained as a “MAGA” thing by many elements of the media, but the former president is going on record (again) backing McCarthy.
Seeking the Republican nomination for 2024, Trump nevertheless struck a relatively diplomatic tone in a Wednesday morning Truth Social post urging the GOP to unite around McCarthy.
“Some really good conversations took place last night, and it’s now time for all of our GREAT Republican House Members to VOTE FOR KEVIN, CLOSE THE DEAL, TAKE THE VICTORY, & WATCH CRAZY NANCY PELOSI FLY BACK HOME TO A VERY BROKEN CALIFORNIA,THE ONLY SPEAKER IN U.S. HISTORY TO HAVE LOST THE “HOUSE” TWICE! REPUBLICANS, DO NOT TURN A GREAT TRIUMPH INTO A GIANT & EMBARRASSING DEFEAT,” Trump wrote. “IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE, YOU DESERVE IT. Kevin McCarthy will do a good job, and maybe even a GREAT JOB – JUST WATCH!”
Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Trump is avoiding direct lobbying but his staff isn’t, sending links of their boss’s Truth Social Post to House members who are holding out as a second day of voting begins:
“Trump’s staff just sent his truth social post out to all of us,” one member tells me.
— Juliegrace Brufke (@juliegraceb) January 4, 2023
NEWS: Two of the 20 House Rs who voted against McCarthy tell me they haven't heard directly from Trump re. the speakership race — so far.
One says they haven't heard much at all from McCarthy's camp/allies.
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 4, 2023
