Republican says Trump was playing golf when president-elect called him to switch House speaker vote to Johnson

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Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., initially voted for Jim Jordan for speaker of the Home Friday, however President-elect Trump was in a position to persuade him to vary his vote — whereas engaged on his golf recreation.

Norman was certainly one of three Republicans who initially refused to vote for Mike Johnson to retain his role.

Whereas talking to reporters Friday, Norman stated Trump had known as him greater than as soon as to attempt to affect his vote on the speaker.

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Former President Trump follows a tee shot on the third tee through the pro-am previous to the LIV Golf Invitational – Bedminster at Trump Nationwide Golf Membership Aug. 10, 2023, in Bedminster, N.J. (Mike Stobe/Getty Photographs)

In Trump’s first telephone name to Norman, Trump was hitting the hyperlinks.

“He stated, ‘Look, I’m in the course of a golf recreation.’ That was the primary time I talked to him,” Norman said, via MediaIte.

“He stated, ‘Properly, you probably did vote for Nikki Haley.’ I stated, ‘Sure, sir, I did. We’re with you now.’ And I stated, ‘We will likely be with Mike Johnson.'”

Trump owns quite a few golf programs, certainly one of which was the location of a second assassination attempt on his life in the summertime. Trump’s USGA handicap was as soon as as little as a 2.5, and he claims to have recorded eight holes-in-one.

Trump additionally spoke with Keith Self, R-Texas, on the telephone in an effort to sway Self’s vote, sources instructed Fox Information Digital.

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., speaks to reporters. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Photographs)

Self confirmed to reporters he had spoken with Trump by telephone a number of occasions Friday.

“I talked to him a few occasions immediately,” Self stated. “We had a full of life dialogue.”

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., linked Trump with Self and Norman by telephone after they voted in opposition to Johnson, the sources stated.

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Johnson received the Home speakership within the first spherical of voting, after it initially appeared he may lose.

Self, Norman and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., every voted for lawmakers aside from Johnson, showing to place the speaker’s gavel out of attain.

However Home leaders didn’t formally shut the vote whereas determining a path ahead. GOP lawmakers have been instructed to be on the Home flooring instantly in preparation for a second vote.