Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., initially voted for Jim Jordan for speaker of the House but was ultimately convinced by President-elect Trump to change his vote to Mike Johnson. Trump, while working on his golf game, called Norman more than once to try to influence his vote. Norman stated that Trump reminded him of his previous support for Nikki Haley and urged him to support Johnson. Trump also spoke with Keith Self, R-Texas, in an effort to sway his vote, showing a personal investment in the speaker election process.
Trump’s involvement in influencing Republican lawmakers’ votes for the House speaker was seen as an unconventional but effective strategy. Norman and Self both confirmed multiple phone calls with Trump on the day of the vote. Despite initial opposition from some Republicans, Johnson ultimately won the speakership in the first round of voting. House leaders did not give up on Johnson even as it seemed like he might lose, eventually leading to his victory. This incident highlighted Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party and his ability to sway votes even while engaging in other activities such as golf.
The connections between Trump, Norman, and Self were made through Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who facilitated the phone conversations between Trump and the two lawmakers. This collaboration helped to secure Johnson’s victory in the speaker election. Trump’s personal involvement in the process, despite being in the middle of a golf game, demonstrated his dedication to supporting Johnson and ensuring his success. The successful outcome of the vote showcased the effectiveness of Trump’s intervention and assistance in influencing lawmakers’ decisions.
The second round of voting for the House speaker did not occur, as Johnson was ultimately sworn in on Friday afternoon after the initial success in the first round of voting. The actions taken by Trump and other Republican leaders to secure Johnson’s victory highlighted the importance of the speaker election and the influence of key figures in the decision-making process. Despite initial opposition from some Republicans, the support and intervention from Trump ultimately helped Johnson secure the speakership, marking a significant moment in the House leadership elections.
Overall, the involvement of President-elect Trump in persuading Rep. Norman and Rep. Self to change their votes for the House speaker showcased his ability to influence the decision-making process within the Republican Party. Trump’s personal calls and reminders of past support played a crucial role in securing Mike Johnson’s victory. The successful outcome of the vote highlighted the importance of personal connections and interventions in political decision-making, showcasing the impact of Trump’s influence within the party. The speaker election process ultimately resulted in Johnson’s victory, with Trump’s assistance being a key factor in the final outcome.
