Rep. Ralph Norman initially voted for Jim Jordan for speaker of the House, but President-elect Trump was able to convince him to change his vote while working on his golf game. Norman, one of three Republicans who initially refused to vote for Mike Johnson to retain his role, revealed that Trump had called him multiple times to try to influence his vote on the speaker. During their conversations, Trump was hitting the links and mentioned Norman’s previous vote for Nikki Haley, indicating that they were now aligned and urging him to support Mike Johnson.
In addition to speaking with Norman, Trump also reached out to Keith Self, a Republican congressman from Texas, in an effort to sway his vote. Self confirmed that he had spoken with Trump multiple times on the phone that day and had engaged in a lively discussion. Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, connected Trump with Self and Norman to discuss the speaker vote after they initially voted against Johnson. Despite their initial opposition, Johnson was ultimately able to secure the speakership after the first round of voting.
Trump, who owns numerous golf courses, is known for his love of the sport and has an impressive USGA handicap. He even claimed to have recorded eight holes-in-one in his golfing career. In his efforts to influence the speaker vote, Trump demonstrated his persuasive skills and ability to connect with lawmakers on a personal level. While the second vote that was called to determine the speaker did not occur, Johnson was eventually sworn in as the House speaker, solidifying his position in Congress.
The interactions between Trump and the Republican lawmakers highlight the negotiation and persuasion tactics employed in political decision-making processes. By reaching out to Norman and Self, Trump demonstrated his willingness to engage directly with lawmakers to secure their support for Johnson. The behind-the-scenes discussions and phone calls shed light on the intricate dynamics within Congress and the role of external influencers, such as the President-elect, in shaping legislative outcomes.
Overall, the efforts made by Trump, Norman, Self, and Mace during the speaker vote process underscore the importance of personal connections and persuasive skills in politics. While initially supporting different candidates for the speakership, the Republican lawmakers ultimately aligned with the party’s chosen candidate after discussions with Trump. Despite the twists and turns in the speaker vote process, Johnson was ultimately able to secure the position, marking a significant victory for the Republican Party in Congress.
