(TargetLiberty.org) – House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday told Breitbart that former President Donald Trump was now stronger than he had been in 2016. This statement was made only hours after he had claimed to not know whether Trump would be the “strongest” GOP candidate and most likely to defeat President Joe Biden.
Trump has not yet made any comments about McCarthy’s assessment, but that has not stopped his allies from criticizing the House speaker.
On Wednesday, a Politico report noted that Trump’s top aides and allies had been confused by McCarthy’s claims that Trump may not be the strongest GOP candidate. A report by The New York Times also noted that on Tuesday McCarthy had called Trump to apologize for his earlier remarks on CNBC.
In large part, McCarthy was only able to win the speakership in January, because Trump endorsed him for the position. Trump also remained largely quiet about McCarthy’s and Biden’s debt ceiling deal, while many other conservatives openly criticized the agreement.
McCarthy’s apology and the remarks in his later interview were not enough to stop Trump’s inner circle from being upset with the Speaker. Many also appear to believe that McCarthy has often taken advantage of Trump’s support but has failed to show loyalty to the former President in return.
Some Trump allies are also questioning why McCarthy has not yet endorsed Trump in the 2024 GOP presidential primary. Others however are more interested in forcing a vote to oust McCarthy from the speakership. One consultant even told Politico that should Trump choose it he could have McCarthy removed by the end of the week.
Copyright 2023, TargetLiberty.org
