Staff Reports
After a short stint as the Republican House Speaker-Designate, Tom Emmer has officially withdrawn from the race, thanks in part to a scathing denunciation from former President Donald Trump. Trump took to his new social media platform, Truth Social, to tear into Emmer, calling him a “Globalist RINO” and criticizing his lack of respect for Trump’s endorsement and the MAGA movement. Trump also accused Emmer of spending more time defending Ilhan Omar than supporting him, suggesting that Emmer is out of touch with Republican voters.
Trump’s attack on Emmer seems to have had an impact, as Emmer fell short of the 217 votes needed to secure the Speaker position, losing by 26 votes. The rejection from his party’s members is a blow to Emmer’s leadership aspirations and a victory for Trump and his America First agenda.
Trump’s warning to House Republicans about the dangers of choosing a “Globalist RINO” like Emmer has resonated within the party. There is now talk of Congressman Mike Johnson from Louisiana emerging as a potential dark horse candidate who could bridge the gap between the America First and establishment wings of the GOP. This suggests that Trump’s influence on the Republican Party is still very strong, even after leaving office.
TRUMP’s operation has texted House Republicans the truth social post dumping on Emmer. pic.twitter.com/eCRgdXuTZO
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 24, 2023
The fact that Trump’s criticism of Emmer was not only posted on Truth Social but also allegedly texted directly to House Republicans shows the extent of his reach and the power of his words. It seems that Trump is determined to exert control over the Republican Party and ensure that only candidates who align with his America First vision are able to rise to leadership positions.
Trump’s comments to reporters outside of his ongoing trial in New York further emphasize his dismissal of Emmer as a “RINO” and suggest that Emmer’s political career may be over. However, the unpredictable nature of politics means that nothing is set in stone, and Emmer may still have a glimmer of hope for a political comeback.
The divisions within the Republican Party are evident in the comments of Congressman Mario Diaz Balart, who pointed out Emmer’s role as the whip and his strong relationships with members of the conference. The rejection of Emmer as Speaker could have wider implications for the party’s unity and ability to rally behind a leader.
Overall, Emmer’s withdrawal from the Speaker race is a victory for Trump and his America First agenda, highlighting the continued influence he wields within the Republican Party. The episode also underscores the deep divisions within the GOP and the challenges the party faces in finding a candidate who can unite its different factions.
