President-elect Trump Helps Mike Johnson Secure House Speaker Position
President-elect Trump appears to have played a key role in helping Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., avoid a protracted and contentious fight to lead the House of Representatives. Trump spoke by phone with two Republicans, Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Keith Self, R-Texas, after they initially voted for people other than Johnson.
Self and Norman were seen entering a side room with Johnson and others after the initial vote, but before it was formally closed. They emerged minutes later and announced they would both vote for Johnson, securing his victory.
Self confirmed to reporters that he had spoken with Trump multiple times on Friday, but declined to elaborate on the content of their discussions. Norman also spoke with Trump and said the President-elect emphasized that Johnson was the only one who could get elected.
Johnson won the House speakership in the first round of voting, after it initially appeared he was on the verge of losing. The vote was left open, and GOP lawmakers were told to remain on the House floor in preparation for a second vote, but a second vote did not occur. Instead, Johnson was sworn in as speaker on Friday afternoon.