Former President Donald Trump secretly informed supporters on Friday that he would not support House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, complicating the House speaker selection process.
Trump talks while Emmer discreetly expresses interest. The Minnesota Republican is the early front runner and has contacted other leaders with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s support.
Trump may suffer major consequences if he launches a spirited campaign since no presidential candidate can afford to lose even a modest vote.
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The former president’s top aides are already sabotaging Emmer’s campaign. Trump supporters spread bogus information about the lawmaker on Friday afternoon, and the pro-Trump “War Room” podcast attacked Emmer. In an interview on the show, Trump aide Boris Epshteyn said Emmer has not endorsed Trump in the Republican presidential election.
“How can someone even be in the conversation if they are so out of step with where the Republican electorate and the MAGA movement are?” said Epshteyn. We need a MAGA speaker. The main disagreement is that The numbers, fervor, and intensity prove that this is the MAGA party, not Trump. New ideas have superseded the GOP’s conservative, institutional origins.
Former Trump aide Steve Bannon called Emmer a “Trump hater.” (“War Room”)
Trump supporters say Emmer’s appointment as speaker strained relations between House Republicans and their potential presidential nominee. One official said Emmer “has no relationship with Trump.”
Tom Emmer may become House Speaker ( WCCO – CBS Minnesota )
Two sources with knowledge of the private conversations said Trump had worries about Emmer becoming speaker and hinted that he didn’t think the Minnesota Republican was a supporter during his Friday meetings with others. They say Trump has complained about Emmer’s weak defense against the indictments. Trump also used Emmer’s criticism following the January 6 Capitol battle he started. As House GOP campaign arm chief, Emmer denied advising Republican candidates to avoid Trump.
Casey Nelson, Emmer’s Whip communications director, denied party animosity. “As Chair of the NRCC, Whip Emmer collaborated closely with President Trump to assist House Republicans in dismissing Nancy Pelosi and regaining the majority,” Nelson added. Whip Emmer hopes to continue this productive cooperation as Speaker.
Trump previously supported House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan for speaker. Jordan’s bid failed Friday when House Republicans rejected him in a confidential speaker vote. The Ohio Republican has failed three times to win enough votes to become speaker. the McCarthy departure and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise‘s failed presidential campaign before his own.
Due to instability, new competitors have entered the competition. Jodey Arrington of Texas, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, and Kevin Hern of Oklahoma are also possibilities.
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