Former President Donald Trump finally issued a statement of support for California Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who lost three separate votes to become speaker of the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Many of Trump's most ardent supporters weren't thrilled.
McCarthy is viewed skeptically by MAGA commentators and members of the GOP base, who believe he lacks a consistent conservative ideology. It's part of the reason why 20 House Republicans are casting protest votes for Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, who is not currently seeking the speakership.
On Tuesday morning, Trump wrote on his Twitter alternative Truth Social, "VOTE FOR KEVIN, CLOSE THE DEAL," and "Kevin McCarthy will do a good job, and maybe even a GREAT JOB." The latter remark drew derision from conservatives.
"How about I support someone who I know will do a great job and doesn't have a proven track record of failure like Kevin?" tweeted commentator Lavern Spicer, a former congressional candidate.
"Real MAGA will never support McCarthy," wrote Anthony Sabatini, another former congressional candidate. "Fake MAGA supports McCarthy."
"Trump has basically retired," tweeted conservative streamer Tim Pool.
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, one of the 20 House Republicans opposing McCarthy, even decried Trump's endorsement, tweeting, "Supporting McCarthy is the worst Human Resources decision President Trump has ever made. Sad!"
When some individuals, such as Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, shared Trump's endorsement in an attempt to rally support for McCarthy, they were met with replies such as "No. Love Trump, but he is wrong on this," and "Thought you were different."
CNN's Melanie Zanona reported Tuesday morning that "McCarthy allies were privately panicking yesterday" when Trump told NBC News, "We'll see what happens," and did not reiterate his support for the California Republican. The fact that Trump's endorsement did little to win over skeptical conservative commentators probably means it will also do little to change a political landscape in which 20 Republicans are dug in casting votes against McCarthy.
McCarthy has gone to great lengths to curry favor with Trump in his bid to become House speaker. Voting is scheduled to resume Wednesday, and there is no indication McCarthy has been able to win over any of his detractors in the time since Tuesday.
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