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Republican says Trump was taking part in golf when president-elect referred to as him to change House speaker vote to Johnson

01/04/2025

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Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., initially voted for Jim Jordan for speaker of the House Friday, however President-elect Trump was in a position to persuade him to alter 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.

While talking to reporters Friday, Norman mentioned Trump had referred to 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 National Golf Club Aug. 10, 2023, in Bedminster, N.J. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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

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

“He mentioned, ‘Well, you probably did vote for Nikki Haley.’ I mentioned, ‘Yes, sir, I did. We’re with you now.’ And I mentioned, ‘We shall be with Mike Johnson.'”

Trump owns quite a few golf programs, certainly one of which was the positioning 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 cellphone in an effort to sway Self’s vote, sources advised Fox News Digital.

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

Self confirmed to reporters he had spoken with Trump by cellphone a number of instances Friday.

“I talked to him a few instances right now,” Self mentioned. “We had a vigorous dialogue.”

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

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Johnson gained the House speakership within the first spherical of voting, after it initially appeared he would possibly lose.

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

But House leaders didn’t formally shut the vote whereas determining a path ahead. GOP lawmakers had been advised to be on the House flooring instantly in preparation for a second vote.