McCarthy elected Speaker after 15 ballots and Trump intervention
Kevin McCarthy won the Speaker's gavel at 12:38 AM after 15 ballots spread over four days—the longest speaker election since 1859. McCarthy was repeatedly rejected by conservative Republican holdouts including Matt Gaetz before Trump personally called members urging support. McCarthy made concessions including restoring the single-member motion to vacate, which would later be used to remove him from the speakership. McCarthy credited Trump for the victory.
Analysis Feed
AI commentary research 2025-12-14
The 15-ballot speaker election demonstrated Trump's influence within the Republican caucus. The concessions McCarthy made to win—including restoring the single-member motion to vacate—would be invoked nine months later to remove him from the speakership.