Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., initially voted for Jim Jordan as Speaker of the House of Representatives Friday, but President-elect Trump convinced him to change his vote – while working on his golf game.
Norman was one of three Republicans who initially refused to vote in favor Mike Johnson retains his role.
While speaking to reporters Friday, Norman said Trump had called him more than once to try to influence his vote for speaker.
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Former President Trump takes a tee shot on the third tee during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf Invitational – Bedminster at Trump National Golf Club, August 10, 2023, in Bedminster, NJ (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
In Trump’s first phone call to Norman, Trump clicked on the links.
“He said, ‘Look, I’m in the middle of a golf game.’ That was the first time I spoke to him.” Norman said via MediaIte.
“He said, ‘Well, you voted for Nikki Haley.’ I said, ‘Yes sir, I did. We are with you now.’ And I said, ‘We’ll be with Mike Johnson.'”
Trump owns numerous golf courses, one of which was the site of one second assassination attempt on his life in the summer. Trump’s USGA handicap was once just 2.5, and he claims to have completed eight holes-in-one.
Trump also spoke to Keith Self, R-Texas, on the phone in an effort to influence Self’s vote, sources told Fox News Digital.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., speaks to reporters. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
He himself confirmed to reporters that he had spoken to Trump several times by telephone on Friday.
“I talked to him a few times today,” Self said. “We had a lively discussion.”
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., put Trump in touch with Self and Norman by phone after they voted against Johnson, the sources said.
Johnson won the presidency of the House of Representatives in the first round of voting, after initially appearing like he might lose.
Self, Norman and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., each voted for lawmakers other than Johnson, seemingly putting the gavel out of reach.
But House leaders did not formally end the vote as they sought a path forward. Republican lawmakers were told to be in the House of Representatives immediately to prepare for a second vote.
Donald Trump golfing (Getty Images)
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However, that second vote did not take place and Johnson was sworn in as chairman on Friday afternoon.
Elizabeth Elkind of Fox News contributed to this report.
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