Former President Donald Trump continues to hold a lot of influence within the GOP. Many of his more vocal supporters were the same holdouts that blocked House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from winning the House Speakership. However, Trump managed to assist McCarthy to win after calling Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., and assisting in the closing of the deal.
In a Saturday morning post on Truth Social, Trump thanked McCarthy for his words. Along with the thank you, Trump also posted a video of Trump’s late-night call. Trump also wrote that it was his “great honor” to have assisted.
McCarthy, who had previously criticized Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, told reporters that he is especially thankful for the support that former President Donald Trump gave him. After he won the 15th vote, McCarthy proceeded with his Speaker Acceptance Speech and then swore in the incoming members.
He added during his remarks to the reporters that he did not think anyone was in a position to doubt Trump’s influence. That Trump had assisted him from the beginning and that “he was all in.” McCarthy also noted that Trump would not only call him but also others in support. This was a big help for McCarthy who was having trouble with securing “those final votes.”
Trump had made calls to the six holdouts to call for them to support McCarthy. At the same time, there was also an altercation between Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., who had to be restrained by Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., as he was shouting at Gaetz for continuing to hold out.
McCarthy managed to win the Speakership in the 15th vote.
