Trump Breaks Silence on McCarthy as Contender for House Speaker After Failed Votes

U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks to reporters following a meeting with House Republicans at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 3, 2023. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for House speaker ahead of a fourth round vote Wednesday after McCarthy failed to secure the top job in three rounds of voting on Tuesday but insisted he’s still a contender.

Hours after failing to clinch the House gavel amid GOP opposition, McCarthy said late Tuesday that he’s still in the running for speaker and insisted Trump had “reiterated his support” for his candidacy.