How Mike Johnson's re-election to House speaker reflects the 'Trump effect'
Fox News contributors Byron York and Mollie Hemingway explain why House Speaker Mike Johnson's re-election is a 'triumph' on 'America Reports.'
President-elect Trump appears to have helped Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., avoid a messy, drawn-out fight to lead the House of Representatives.
Trump spoke by phone with both Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Keith Self, R-Texas, after they had initially voted for people other than Johnson for speaker, two knowledgeable sources told Fox News Digital.
Self and Norman were seen disappearing into a side room with Johnson and others after the roll call vote was complete, but before the vote was formally closed.
They emerged minutes later and announced they would both vote for Johnson – cementing the Louisiana Republican's victory.
JOHNSON BLASTS DEM ACCUSATIONS HE VOWED TO END OBAMACARE AS 'DISHONEST'
Two people said Rep. Nancy Mace connected the holdouts with Trump. (Getty Images)
Mace would not comment, but Fox News Digital saw her and Johnson share a hug on the House floor after they and others were in the side room with the holdouts.
She was also seen in intense talks with Norman off the House floor earlier.
Norman also later confirmed to reporters that he spoke with Trump on Friday.
Johnson won the House speakership in the first round of voting, after it initially appeared he was poised to 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., each voted for people other than Johnson, appearing to put the speaker's gavel out of reach.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
But House leaders did not formally end the vote while figuring out a path forward. Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers were told to be on the House floor immediately in preparation for a second vote.
That second vote did not occur, however, and Johnson was sworn in as speaker on Friday afternoon.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-rebels-switch-vote-johnson-after-trumps-11th-hour-calls-pushing-him-over-finish-line