In a recent private conversation with allies, former President Trump expressed his lack of support for House Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s bid for the position of Speaker. This adds another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous process of selecting the next individual to wield the gavel.
Tom Emmer, a Republican from Minnesota, has been discreetly expressing his interest in the post and reaching out to fellow lawmakers. His efforts seem to have paid off as he emerged as an early frontrunner, even securing the endorsement of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
However, Trump’s potential opposition could prove detrimental to Emmer’s chances, given that any candidate can only afford to lose a few votes.
President Trump is right. Tom Emmer is a RINO and should NEVER be Speaker of the House.https://t.co/kCbNQ5BJOF
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) October 22, 2023
The House of Representatives has been without a Speaker for over two weeks since Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate the chair. Earlier this month, Kevin McCarthy was removed from the position of House Speaker in a 216-210 vote.
Eight Republicans voted against McCarthy, including Biggs, Buck, Burchett, Crane, Gaetz, Good, Mace, and Rosendale. Following the secret ballot, McCarthy, who had undoubtedly been working behind the scenes, endorsed Tom Emmer for House Speaker on Friday afternoon.
Emmer, currently the No. 3 House Republican, informed members of the House Republican Conference of his intention to seek the nomination for Speaker. His announcement immediately places him as the frontrunner in this race.
McCarthy’s endorsement of Emmer further strengthens his position, with McCarthy stating Emmer is the right person for the job, capable of uniting the conference and understanding the dynamics of the conference.
However, Emmer’s past association with a George Soros-funded organization, The National Popular Vote Initiative, may not sit well with some conservatives.
Emmer was formerly a paid spokesman for the organization, which was launched in 2006 to support efforts to overhaul the Electoral College by passing laws that commit state electors to the candidate who wins the national popular vote.
HELL NO!! IF CONGRESS PUTS THIS SOROS BUDDY IN AS SPEAKER, we will lose the house, as we should in 2024. That will be my last year as a Republican after I vote TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT. https://t.co/MabpDnoIBb
— Patriot (@HeyJudeOregon) October 22, 2023
About five years after the initiative’s launch, Emmer took a job as one of the group’s paid spokespeople.
In a 2011 video interview, Emmer expressed his belief that the initiative would end up favoring Republicans if they believed in their message. This past association could potentially influence the voting decisions of some Republicans.
Despite Trump’s lack of support and his past association with a Soros-funded group, Emmer is likely to gain several Democratic votes. His bid will undoubtedly be a closely watched event, with the outcome having significant implications for the future direction of the House of Representatives.
As the race for the Speaker’s gavel continues, it remains to be seen how Trump’s lack of support and Emmer’s past associations will impact his chances.
