EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, told the Washington Examiner Wednesday morning that former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Rep. Kevin McCarthy for House speaker “does not” change his defiant stance against the California Republican for the top role.
“I have not changed at all,” said Norman. “It will be interesting what happens today. We got to get a speaker that will solve our budget issues, and Kevin McCarthy has not done that in the past.”
TRUMP ENDORSES MCCARTHY FOR HOUSE SPEAKER ONE DAY AFTER CALLING SUPPORT INTO QUESTION
“You know, people have different opinions,” he added. “Newt Gingrich doesn’t approve of what we’re doing. I don’t approve of what he’s saying. But as far as President Trump, he and Kevin have a good relationship, even though Kevin criticized him on certain things.”
Norman’s reference to Gingrich came after the former House speaker criticized GOP members, such as Norman, who have vowed not to back McCarthy in the 118th Congress, in which Republicans have a chamber majority. The House has not selected a speaker as of this writing after three roll-call votes.
On Wednesday morning, Trump endorsed McCarthy on Trump Social, the social media platform he founded in October 2021 after being banned from Twitter.
“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!” wrote Trump.
“Kevin McCarthy will do a good job, and maybe even a GREAT JOB — JUST WATCH!”
Trump’s endorsement came after he declined to tell NBC News in an interview on Tuesday as to whether he would back McCarthy.
Now, lawmakers will convene at noon on Wednesday to resume the speaker election. Norman and 19 other Republicans vetoed McCarthy’s bid on Tuesday in the third round of voting. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) had initially voted for McCarthy in the first two rounds but switched and noted he is “considering his options.”
The chaos ensuing on Capitol Hill has not occurred since 1923, when Frederick Gillett obtained the speakership after nine votes. Norman initially backed Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) for speaker but, given he was nominated in the third vote, pulled the lever for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).
Norman told the Washington Examiner on Wednesday that if he could pick a speaker today, it would be Jordan, who has long been expected to become chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
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Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who also opposes McCarthy for speaker, said Wednesday that Trump’s endorsement of the California Republican is “sad!”
“This changes neither my view of McCarthy nor Trump nor my vote,” Gaetz added.
