Donald Trump is offering his two cents on the unprecedented battle for House Speaker.
In a series of Truth Social tweets, the former President urged Republican lawmakers to vote for Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) after he failed to secure the position through three rounds of voting.
“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“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. IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE, YOU DESERVE IT,” the 2024 presidential candidate continued.
“Kevin McCarthy will do a good job, and maybe even a GREAT JOB – JUST WATCH!” Trump predicted.
On Tuesday, the 118th Congress held three rounds of voting for House Speaker, but the California Republican fell short of crossing the 218 vote threshold as 19 Republican hardliners opted to support Rep. Jim Jordan(R-Ohio).
However, despite Trump’s attempts to sway favor back towards McCarthy, lawmakers say even Trump’s endorsement isn’t enough.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) who was among the 19 Republicans to oppose McCarthy, responded to Trump’s endorsement.
“Sad!” Gaetz said in a Wednesday statement. “This changes neither my view of McCarthy nor Trump nor my vote.”
Gaetz has been one of the most prominent figures to declare his opposition to McCarthy’s bid for Speaker and has worked to secure major concessions from the California Republican. However, negotiations have still fallen short and ultimately Rep. Gaetz nominated Rep. Jordan for Speaker during the first round of voting on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the Florida firebrand also sent a letter to the Architect of the Capitol on Tuesday questioning why House Speaker candidate McCarthy was already inhabiting the Speaker’s office when he had yet to officially win the position, according to The Hill.
“I write to inform you that the Speaker of the House Office located in the U.S. Capitol Building is currently occupied by Rep. Kevin McCarthy,” Gaetz said in the letter.
“As of this morning, the 117th Congress adjourned sine die, and a Speaker from the 118th Congress has not been elected,” he continued. “After three undeciding votes, no member can lay claim to this office.”