Following the House GOP’s decision to nominate Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota for the role of Speaker, a wave of discontent has swept through the conservative community, particularly on social media platforms. Emmer’s voting history and his apparent lack of support for former President Donald Trump have been major points of contention.
Emmer secured the GOP nomination after a secretive, closed-door ballot election that went through five rounds of voting, outlasting the candidacies of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. Despite conversing with Trump about his aspirations for the Speaker position over the weekend, Emmer has refrained from publicly endorsing the former president. His past support for the abolition of the Electoral College, along with a series of controversial votes and positions, has sparked a conservative uproar against his nomination.
However, his nomination was short-lived. Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) is the third consecutive GOP Speaker-designate to withdraw from the race due to fierce opposition from a minority of his fellow Republicans. The criticism was far and wide.
Founder of ACT For America, Brigitte Gabriel, tweeted, “Tom Emmer must NEVER become Speaker of the House.”Similarly, Ryan Fournier, the founder of Students For Trump, voiced his disapproval, advocating for Byron Donalds as Speaker instead.
Emmer’s refusal to endorse Trump’s bid for reelection was made clear in a statement to CNN’s Manu Raju. Trump, in response, labeled Emmer a Republican-In-Name-Only (RINO) in a post on Truth Social, criticizing his lack of alignment with the MAGA movement and his apparent support for Ilhan Omar over Trump himself.
Amy Kremer, chair of Women for America First, listed five reasons why GOP members should not vote for Emmer, highlighting his advocacy for the National Popular Vote, his low Liberty Score, his role in defeating MAGA candidates as former Chair of NRCC, his status as a “big spending Cartel member,” and his perceived anti-Trump stance.
Conservative podcaster Joey Mannarino also joined the chorus of critics on social media and in statements made on Monday, condemning Emmer for refusing to endorse Trump. Emmer’s voting record, including his support for the Respect for Marriage Act, sending financial aid to Ukraine, a temporary government funding resolution, and the Fiscal Responsibilities Act, has further fueled the conservative backlash.
Georgia GOP Rep. Rick Allen and Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana have expressed concerns and opposition to Emmer’s nomination, citing his voting record and lack of conservative values. Ann Vandersteel, host of “Right Now,” called for a new political party in response to Emmer’s nomination, highlighting the need for a Speaker who opposes open borders, illegal immigration, and unnecessary wars.
Fox News contributor Leo Terrell and GOP fundraiser Caroline Wren have also voiced their opposition to Emmer, with Wren urging him to withdraw from the race as a result of the lack of support on the floor.