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Trump's Calls to Norman and Self on First Ballot Secure Johnson's Speakership

Jan 3, 2025, 08:15 PM

Former President Donald Trump played a pivotal role in securing Mike Johnson's position as House Speaker, intervening directly with Representatives Ralph Norman and Keith Self after they initially voted against Johnson. Trump's phone calls to the two GOP lawmakers, who had been holding out, led them to switch their votes in favor of Johnson, ensuring his re-election on the first ballot. The intervention came after the first round of voting, where Norman and Self, along with Rep. Thomas Massie, had refused to support Johnson. Rep. Nancy Mace facilitated the call to Norman, during which Trump reminded Norman of his support for Nikki Haley in the primary. Norman, after speaking with Trump, expressed his satisfaction with the conversation, while Self cited his focus on advancing the Trump agenda and received assurances from Johnson on fiscal responsibility and deficit spending. Trump made these calls while interrupting his golf game.