(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Former President Donald Trump launched a scorching attack on House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, effectively dashing the hopes of the Minnesota lawmaker to ascend to the role of House speaker.
In a scathing statement posted on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump denounced Emmer as a “Globalist RINO,” forcing Emmer to withdraw his nomination for House speaker. Trump warned that an Emmer speakership would have been a “mistake.”
“[Emmer] never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement or the breadth and scope of MAGA—MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump’s statement read, likely alluding to Emmer’s suggestions for some Republicans to distance themself from Trump amidst the 2022 midterm election
“The Republican Party cannot take that chance, because that’s not where the America First Voters are. Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!” Trump further asserted.
Amidst Emmer’s bid for the speakership, questions arose regarding his allegiance to the America First movement led by Trump.
In an attempt to align himself with the former president, Emmer’s office claimed the lawmaker worked closely with Trump.
“As NRCC Chair, Whip Emmer worked hand in hand with President Trump to help House Republicans fire Nancy Pelosi and retake the majority,” his spokesperson told Politico on Oct. 20. “If he becomes Speaker, Whip Emmer looks forward to continuing that productive relationship.”
However, Trump remained unconvinced, highlighting what he described as a detachment from GOP voters.
“He is totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters,” Trump said of Emmer. “I believe he has now learned his lesson, because he is saying that he is Pro-Trump all the way, but who can ever be sure? Has he only changed because that’s what it takes to win?”
Emmer’s withdrawal marked the latest setback in the House Republicans’ search for a new speaker, following the failed bids of House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.
The new contenders for House speaker are Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference Mike Johnson, R-La.; House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark E. Green, R-Tenn.; Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams, R-Texas.
Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., are also seeking the nomination.
