Donald Trump is urging Republicans to rally behind Rep. Kevin McCarthy after the GOP House leader failed to win the speakership after three ballots on Tuesday.
“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!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social app Wednesday morning. “REPUBLICANS, DO NOT TURN A GREAT TRIUMPH INTO A GIANT & EMBARRASSING DEFEAT. IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE, YOU DESERVE IT. Kevin McCarthy will do a good job, and maybe even a GREAT JOB—JUST WATCH!”
Trump had refused to say whether he still supports McCarthy on Tuesday after his embarrassing defeats on the House floor. Even with an endorsement from Trump, McCarthy failed to reach the 218 vote threshold needed to win.
McCarthy received 203 votes on the first two ballots, fewer than House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, 212. McCarthy received 202 votes on the third ballot as Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) joined the 19 far-right members opposing McCarthy’s speaker bid.
The House adjourned on Tuesday without electing a speaker. Voting will resume Wednesday at noon.
[Featured Image: JIM WATSON / TNS]
