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.