Trump Phone Call to GOP Holdouts Against Mike Johnson’s Speakership Reportedly Altered Outcome: ‘You Two Guys Are Screwing it All up’
In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, President-elect Donald Trump’s eleventh-hour intervention proved decisive in securing Mike Johnson’s election as House Speaker.
Two Republican holdouts changed their votes following a crucial phone conversation, per a stunning report.
The political theater unfolded when Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) initiated a call to Trump as the House teetered on the brink of a second round of voting.
The president-elect found himself mediating with Reps. Keith Self (R-TX) and Ralph Norman (R-SC), who had initially cast their votes for Byron Donalds and Jim Jordan, respectively.
Trump didn’t mince words during the call, according to Real Clear Politics.
“He had the most historic election, and you guys are stepping all over it by being ridiculous,” Trump told the representatives.
He emphasized the broader implications of their resistance, stating, “I won all these swing states, but while Democrats are over there sticking together, you two guys are screwing it all up.”
The president-elect reportedly continued, “The American people want relief and the Trump agenda.”
The conversation proved transformative.
Both Norman and Self retreated to an office just outside the House chamber with Mace and Johnson.
The former president made it clear that opposition to Johnson would be interpreted as resistance to his own agenda.
This strategic move proved effective, as both representatives subsequently returned to the floor and changed their votes, as reported by TTOA
Earlier that day, Trump had publicly endorsed Johnson on Truth Social, writing, “Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support.”
The endorsement highlighted the significance of the speaker vote for the Republican Party’s unity.
The Post Millennial (TPM) reported that the final tally showed Johnson securing more than the required 218 votes, while Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries garnered 215 votes.
Several other representatives, including Reps. Andy Biggs, Andy Harris and Chip Roy, who had initially abstained, ultimately backed Johnson.
TPM outlined that when speaking to reporters after the vote, Self explained their position: “The Republicans have to do better in the House. The last two years have been a disaster.”
He emphasized that their initial resistance was aimed at drawing attention to crucial issues, particularly spending and border control.
“We needed to get the attention of the American people that we are going to be behind the Trump agenda going through Congress,” Self stated.
With Johnson’s election secured, the 119th Congress officially commenced, and the new Speaker swore in the members, marking the end of a contentious selection process.
TTOA reported early Friday morning–just before the speaker vote–that Johnson faced an intense battle to retain his position.
This insight came despite receiving multiple endorsements from Trump.
Approximately twelve Republican representatives remained undecided on Friday morning, according to a bombshell report from Politico.
The speaker’s situation showed a single confirmed “no” vote from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), while previously skeptical Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar switched to supporting Johnson’s bid.
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