Trump Has ‘No Influence’ On Holdouts During Speaker Battle

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Former President Trump claimed credit for helping Kevin McCarthy win the House speakership. However, many ardent conservatives told ABC that Trump had no real impact on the process. “President Trump has no influence on the votes, myself or any of my colleagues,” said Rep. Bob Good. Loading Something is loading.

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Former President Donald Trump aspires to play the role of a political kingmaker, having shaped the Republican field of candidates in countless races across the country over much of the past decade.

During Trump’s tenure in the White House and even after he left office, his endorsement was highly sought after by conservatives. And the former president continues to reach out to some of his most ardent Republican supporters still in Congress.

So there was little surprise among politicians when Trump said his influence boosted the House speakership candidacy of Rep. California’s Kevin McCarthy, who went through 15 rounds of votes before winning the position he has long sought.

McCarthy’s candidacy enjoyed broad GOP support from the start, but a fraction of about 20 conservatives including Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Matt Gaetz of Florida, Bob Good of Virginia, and Matt Rosendale of Montana are not interested in a speakership from the California legislature.

Still, Trump backed McCarthy’s bid and claimed credit for helping get the GOP leader over the finish line. In the end, he was installed in the speaker’s chair with a narrow 216-212 vote.

But many conservatives opposed to McCarthy insist the former president had little influence on their decision to support the Californian or vote “present,” allowing for an easier threshold of victory than 218 votes. which is usually required to ensure. the speaker’s bouquet, according to ABC News.

“President Trump has no influence on the votes, myself or any of my colleagues,” Good told the news outlet when asked about the former president’s influence within the House Republican Conference.

“Saturday morning, it became clear that it was inevitable that Mr. McCarthy would be the speaker, and I saw no reason to extend that into the weekend,” he added.

However, McCarthy personally thanked Trump after winning the speakership, saying that no one “should doubt his influence.”

Notably, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia was pictured during the speakership battle holding her phone with Trump on her line as she approached Rosendale, a staunch anti-McCarthy conservative, to try to speak with the former president. He ultimately voted “present” on the final ballot.

Rosendale told ABC News that Trump has not weighed in on his thinking on the matter.

“My decision is based on the voters of Montana and to support the constitution I meet and listen to my constituents and my efforts are always focused on making sure we have a more open process,” he said.

Rep. also said. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, who defected to McCarthy in the final four votes, told ABC News that Trump had “nothing” in his move to support the California lawmaker.

“In fact, I don’t agree with him getting involved. This is a House function. We elect the speaker,” he said.

However, Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia, who turned to McCarthy, told the news outlet that Trump “definitely had an influence on the process,” calling the outcome of the process a “win-win for our country and for our leadership .”

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