NBC News anchor Kristen Welker questioned former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Sunday's "Meet the Press" about his reluctance to endorse ex-President Donald Trump, despite Trump's leading position in the 2024 Republican presidential primary.
Trump announced his campaign in November and has since garnered 56% support, with Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis trailing in second place with 13.7%, as reported by FiveThirtyEight.
"Why haven't you endorsed him yet?" Welker inquired of McCarthy. McCarthy responded, "The campaign is still going. There is a very good chance I would endorse the President." Welker countered, highlighting Trump's clear lead, and asked, "What are you waiting for?"
McCarthy cited his focus on other pressing issues, such as the open southern border and the Middle East conflict, but expressed his belief that Trump would be the nominee and would be re-elected.
When Welker asked if McCarthy still identified as a MAGA Republican, McCarthy replied, "He [Biden] has brought chaosyou know what, I am a conservative Republican from the beginning to the end and thats what Ive always been. You can try to phrase different names to people, but Im proud of who I am."
Trump had previously endorsed McCarthy for the speakership, which McCarthy won after fifteen floor votes, despite opposition from within his own party. However, McCarthy was ousted as speaker following an Oct. 3 floor vote initiated by Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz. The motion was supported by every House Democrat and eight Republicans, leaving the speaker's chair currently vacant.
Former speaker-designate Jim Jordan, a Republican congressman from Ohio, failed to secure the speakership after three rounds of House floor votes this week. Following a secret ballot that removed Jordan as the nominee, Majority Whip Tom Emmer announced his bid for the role, receiving an endorsement from McCarthy. However, Trump has reportedly stated he will not endorse Emmer, alleging that the congressman is not a supporter of his.
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