Rep. Ralph Norman (RS.C.) initially voted for Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House on Friday, but President-elect Trump tried to convince him to change his vote while playing golf. was completed.
Norman was one of three Republicans who initially refused to vote for Mike Johnson to keep his job.
Mr. Norman told reporters Friday that Mr. Trump had made numerous phone calls trying to influence his vote for speaker.
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Former President Trump tees off on the third tee during the Pro-Am before the LIV Golf Invitational – Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, August 10, 2023, Bedminster, New Jersey (Mike Stove/Getty Images)
The first time Trump called Norman, he was hitting the links.
“He said, 'Look, I'm in the middle of a golf game.' That was the first time I ever talked to him,” Norman said via MediaIte.
“He said, 'Well, you voted for Nikki Haley.' I said, 'Yes, that's right, we're with you now.' And I said, 'We're with Mike Johnson.' ”
Trump owns numerous golf courses, one of which was the site of the second assassination attempt of his career over the summer. Trump's USGA handicap was at one point as low as 2.5, and he claimed to have eight holes-in-one.
Mr. Trump also spoke by phone with Texas Republican Keith Self in an effort to sway Mr. Self's vote, the people said.
Representative Ralph Norman, R.S.C., speaks to reporters. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
He confirmed to reporters that he spoke by phone with Trump multiple times on Friday.
“I talked to him a few times today,” Self said. We had a lively discussion.
Representative Nancy Mace, R.S.C., called Trump, Self and Norman after voting against Johnson, the people said.
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Mr Johnson was initially seen as likely to lose, but was elected speaker of the House of Commons in the first round.
Self, Norman, and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) each voted for someone other than Johnson, seemingly putting the speaker's gavel out of reach.
However, House leaders did not formally close the vote while figuring out a way forward. Republican lawmakers were told to immediately enter the House chamber for a second vote.
donald trump playing golf (Getty Images)
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However, a second vote was not held and Mr Johnson assumed the chair on Friday afternoon.
FOX News' Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
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