Former President Donald Trump’s team is furious at Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California after he questioned on Tuesday whether Trump is the strongest candidate in 2024, according to Politico.
While McCarthy conceded Trump can win the election against President Joe Biden, he was unsure whether the former president is the “strongest” to do so, he said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
Even after attempting damage control following his remarks, the Trump campaign doesn’t understand how McCarthy could “misspeak” and is questioning why he hasn’t endorsed the former president yet, sources close to Trump told Politico.
In the news: Watch: Kevin McCarthy Torn On Trump Being The Strongest Candidate
The Speaker has remained an ally of Trump even after his two indictments and also sought the former president’s advice amid debt ceiling negotiations with Biden. According to Politico, the former president’s team believes McCarthy has taken advantage of Trump while failing to show his loyalty.
McCarthy’s campaign sent out a message countering his earlier comments, according to The Hill’s Emily Brooks, and told Breitbart that Trump is “stronger today than he was in 2016.”
“Trump is the STRONGEST opponent to Biden! Stand with Trump now, and your name will be flagged to Trump & his team,” the campaign message read.
McCarthy’s attempts angered Trump’s team, who requires approval to use his name in campaign fundraising, according to Politico. The former president’s camp reportedly requested that McCarthy take down the fundraising proposal.
In the news: Democratic Governor Throws A Wrench Into Biden’s Green Energy Plans
“If Donald Trump wanted … he could have him out as speaker by the end of the week,” a Republican consultant told Politico.
McCarthy has held out on endorsing Trump, claiming that it “might hurt” the former president and that he should remain neutral in the primary since he’s the highest-ranking Republican in office, the consultant said.
“At what point is it okay for Kevin McCarthy not to endorse Trump?” the consultant asked Politico. “Donald Trump has been very good to Kevin McCarthy.”
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.