Key events
Trump did not communicate with some House members who opposed McCarthy before posting his endorsement.
From Washington Examiner reporter Juliegrace Brufke:
“Trump’s staff just sent his truth social post out to all of us,” one member tells me.
— Juliegrace Brufke (@juliegraceb) January 4, 2023
From Politico reporter Olivia Beavers:
NEWS: Two of the 20 House Rs who voted against McCarthy tell me they haven’t heard directly from Trump re. the speakership race — so far.
One says they haven’t heard much at all from McCarthy’s camp/allies.
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 4, 2023
Even with Trump’s public support of McCarthy, opponents of the House Speaker nominee do not seem swayed by the endorsement.
Several have taken to social media to share their disapproval, accusing the McCarthy of “squatting” in the Speaker office after losing the vote multiple times.
Late Tuesday, Florida representative Matt Gaetz shared a letter he wrote to the Architect of the Capitol, with Gaetz accusing McCarthy of occupying the Speaker of the House office despite losing the vote several times.
The Speaker of the House Office in the Capitol is currently being occupied by Kevin McCarthy.
Kevin McCarthy is not the Speaker of the House. He lost 3 consecutive votes today.
I’m demanding answers from the Architect of the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/AIZ8bFks6W
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 4, 2023
Gaetz’ letter was retweeted by Arizona representative Andy Biggs, who also voted against McCarthy’s selection and accused McCarthy of “squatting” in said office.
Trump backs McCarthy: ‘Vote for Kevin, close the deal’
Good morning, Guardian readers!
Yesterday, Kevin McCarthy failed to secure enough votes to be the GOP House speaker, the first time in 100 years where a nominee hasn’t won enough votes during the first ballot.
But, to push back against his mostly hard-right opponents, McCarthy has touted Donald Trump’s support of his House speakership, with the former president publicly backing McCarthy’s leadership.
In what has been called “the most humiliating day of his political career”, McCarthy faces an uphill battle to secure enough votes, as the House is set to reconvene for a voice vote at 12pm ET.
Twenty House members blocked McCarthy’s election, the majority being far-right members who also denied the legitimacy of the 2020 election, reported the New York Times.
But McCarthy has been quick to confirm that he has the support of Trump, telling reporters late Tuesday that Trump “wants to see the Republicans united to be able to accomplish the exact things we said we’d do”, and adding that he has no plans to drop out.
Meanwhile, Trump also rallied for McCarthy on social media, posting on his Truth Social account:
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! 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!
We will be bringing you the latest updates surrounding McCarthy’s bid and Republican reaction, so stay tuned!