President Donald Trump has broken his silence on the Republican power struggle and urged the GOP to “take the victory” by electing Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as the next speaker.
Trump argues that by ending the stalemate, the Republican Party can come together in celebration and “watch crazy Nancy fly back home.”
“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,” Trump said.
“And 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 added.
“Republicans, do not turn a great triumph into a giant and 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.
“If Republicans are going to fight, we ought to be fighting Mitch McConnell and his domineering, China-loving boss, I mean wife.
“The harm they have done to the Republican Party is incalculable.
“Today, he couldn’t be elected ‘dog catcher’ in Kentucky (sadly, he only won because of my endorsement, went up 21 points – sorry!).
“Take the victory and run,” he said.
Fox News spoke to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), one of the GOP holdouts, to see if Trump’s statement changed his mind.
From Fox News:
Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Florida Republican congressman-elect who rose to prominence under former President Trump’s wing, went rogue after the former president endorsed GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy of California for House Speaker.
Gaetz told Fox News Digital that Trump’s endorsement of McCarthy for speaker has not changed the congressman’s view on the former president or GOP leader, nor has swayed his vote.
“Sad!” Gaetz said in a Wednesday statement.
“This changes neither my view of McCarthy nor Trump nor my vote.”
There are active discussions among McCarthy allies about adjourning House til tomorrow but problem is they may not have the votes to do it. Dems likely to whip against it, per sources, and some Rs may vote no. That means fourth ballot vote could happen at noon — key moment for KM
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) January 4, 2023
🚨 NEWS: I just spoke to TRUMP
He said it’s time to cut a deal to make MCCARTHY speaker.
PLUS: The latest on Rs adjourning@PunchbowlNews SPECIAL EDITION OUT NOW … https://t.co/AbzvATQvLe
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) January 4, 2023
