Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has formally endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race, signaling a shift in his stance towards the 45th president. McCarthy, who had not formally endorsed Trump's second presidential campaign while serving as a House leader, made the announcement during a preview of an interview for CBS Sunday Morning.
Speaking to CBS anchor Robert Costa, McCarthy stated that President Trump could "count on his support" in the upcoming election, as per Mail Online.
McCarthy Endorses Trump
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: U.S. House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks during the America First Agenda Summit, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on July 26, 2022 in Washington, DC. Former U.S. President Donald Trump returns to Washington today to deliver the keynote closing address at the summit. The America First Agenda Summit is put on by the American First Policy Institute, a conservative think-tank founded in 2021 by Brooke Rollins and Larry Kudlow, both former advisors to former President Trump.
This public endorsement comes just four days after McCarthy revealed in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that he would be leaving Congress at the end of December. During the interview, McCarthy not only expressed his support for Trump but also indicated his openness to serving in the Trump administration.
When asked by Costa if he would be willing to serve in a Trump cabinet, McCarthy responded, "In the right position. Look, if I'm the best person for the job - yes." This statement suggests that McCarthy is open to a role in the White House if Trump secures victory in the 2024 race.
McCarthy highlighted his past collaboration with Trump, emphasizing their joint efforts in securing a four-seat majority in the House during the 2022 midterms. Despite losing his position as House Speaker in October, McCarthy's support for Trump remained steadfast. However, the far-right faction's retaliation within the House led to his unprecedented removal from the role he once held.
Reflecting on his relationship with Trump, McCarthy stated, "Look, I worked with President Trump on a lot of policies. But we also have a relationship where we're very honest with each other." The history between the two Republicans has been marked by both collaboration and challenges, including the aftermath of the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, according to The Guardian.
Trump Gains Strength in 2024 Race
While McCarthy's endorsement may strengthen Trump's position within the Republican Party, it also comes with a cautionary note. McCarthy advised Trump to refrain from campaigning on promises of revenge, stating, "America doesn't want to see the idea of retribution." Instead, he urged a message of rebuilding, restoring, and renewing.
Despite Trump facing 91 criminal charges and various legal challenges, McCarthy remains optimistic about the former president's chances in the 2024 race. A Wall Street Journal poll published recently showed Trump leading Biden by 47% to 43%. McCarthy believes that if Biden remains the Democratic nominee, Trump will secure victory, and Republicans will gain more seats in the House while retaking the Senate.
Given the recent resignation of McCarthy from Congress, his prospective cabinet role and alignment with Trump introduce a novel element to the ever-changing Republican Party landscape.
With McCarthy endorsing Trump as the leading candidate for the 2024 presidential nomination, the implications of this development could have a profound effect on the course of the forthcoming election. It is anticipated that the interview with CBS Sunday Morning will yield additional insights regarding McCarthy's decision and his outlook on the Republican Party's future, USA today reported.
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