Trump slams GOP speaker Tom Emmer as a ‘Globalist RINO,’ drops out of speaker’s race

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Republicans chose Rep. Tom Emmer, House majority whip from Minnesota, for speaker in a conference vote Tuesday morning. Hours later, Emmer dropped out, and the conference then selected Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana Tuesday night.

Emmer won the vote after multiple ballots, ending up facing off directly against Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson.

Former President Donald Trump weighed in Tuesday afternoon, calling out Emmer as a “Republican In Name Only,” or “RINO” and a “globalist.”

“Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!” he said.

Heading into the vote, Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida secured multiple GOP congressional endorsements from his own state, including Mario Diaz-Balart, Cory Mills, Vern Buchanan, Carlos Gimenez, Mike Waltz and Kat Cammack. He also received endorsements from other states’ representatives like Texas Reps. Chip Roy and Ronny Jackson.