McCarthy has endorsed Emmer, whose status as majority whip already places him as the highest-ranking would-be Speaker in the conference.
Former President Donald Trump does not support House Majority Whip Tom Emmer becoming Speaker of the House and has privately relayed that sentiment to his supporters, complicating an already convoluted leadership contest that currently has at least four candidates.
The Republican conference removed Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan as its speaker designee on Friday after he thrice failed to win the post in a floor vote. GOP Reps. Austin Scott, Ga.; Byron Donalds, Fla.; Kevin Hern, Okla.; Jack Bergman, Mich.; and Emmer have all since emerged as potential replacements for ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Several more are expected to jump into the fray.
McCarthy has endorsed Emmer, whose status as majority whip already places him as the highest-ranking would-be speaker in the conference after Majority Leader Steve Scalise left the race. Emmer has reportedly begun making calls to bolster support for his leadership bid, Politico reported. Trump’s opposition could make it much more difficult for him to secure enough support.
Trump on Friday privately expressed his opposition to supporters. Citing persons familiar with the discussions, the outlet relayed Trump’s concerns that Emmer did not hold a favorable opinion of him, had criticized him for the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and did not come to his defense amid the multiple criminal indictments he faces.
TRUMP for SPEAKER !!!! SOLVED