President-elect Trump has seemingly helped Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., avoid a contentious battle for leadership in the House of Representatives.
According to two knowledgeable sources who spoke to Fox News Digital, Trump had phone conversations with Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Keith Self, R-Texas, after they initially supported candidates other than Johnson for speaker.
After the roll call vote but before the vote was officially closed, Self and Norman were seen going into a side room with Johnson and others. They emerged shortly after, announcing their support for Johnson, solidifying his victory.
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Speaker Mike Johnson won re-election to lead the House with support from President-elect Donald Trump. (AP/Getty)
Self then confirmed to reporters that he had multiple phone conversations with Trump on Friday.
“I talked to him a couple of times today,” Self said. “We had a lively discussion.”
Self did not provide further details about the discussions. However, sources revealed that Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., connected Trump with Self and Norman by phone after they initially did not support Johnson.
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Two people said Rep. Nancy Mace connected the holdouts with Trump. (Getty Images)
Mace declined to comment, but Fox News Digital witnessed her sharing a hug with Johnson on the House floor after their discussion with the holdouts in the side room. She was also observed in deep conversation with Norman off the House floor earlier.
Norman later confirmed to reporters that he also had a conversation with Trump on Friday.
Johnson secured the speakership in the initial round of voting, despite initial indications that he might lose.
Rep. Keith Self confirmed he spoke with Trump. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Self, Norman, and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., initially voted for candidates other than Johnson, seemingly jeopardizing his bid for speakership.
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House leaders did not formally end the vote while they strategized on the next steps. Despite preparations for a second vote, it did not take place, and Johnson was sworn in as speaker on Friday afternoon.
