Derrick Van Orden targets Chip Roy over speakership vote: ‘Chip is fighting to keep his brand marketable’

As the race for House Speaker intensifies, tensions within the Republican Party are rising. House Speaker Mike Johnson is fighting to retain his position, with Rep. Derrick Van Orden targeting fellow Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who has expressed uncertainty about supporting Johnson in the upcoming vote.

President-elect Donald Trump recently endorsed Johnson for the job, but Roy has voiced doubts about Johnson’s ability to secure the necessary votes. In a recent appearance on Fox Business, Roy indicated that he believes Johnson may fall short in the upcoming Friday vote.

Van Orden, in a post on social media, criticized Roy for his hesitation, claiming that Trump received a mandate from the American people in the November election while Roy did not. He accused Roy of prioritizing his own interests over the America First Agenda championed by Trump.

Van Orden emphasized the importance of unity within the party, stating that Roy needs to learn to follow before he can lead. He made it clear that he supports Johnson as the captain of the team and urged Roy to get on board with the leadership.

Roy, on the other hand, has expressed his desire for change in leadership while remaining undecided on whether to support Johnson. He cited the need for a strong agenda to deliver on the promises made to the American people.

The path to victory for Johnson is uncertain, with Rep. Thomas Massie already declaring that he will not vote for Johnson. Another Republican joining Massie in opposition could derail Johnson’s bid to retain the speakership.

Fox News Senior congressional correspondent Chad Pergram explained the voting process, highlighting the need for an outright majority to secure the position of House Speaker. With just two Republicans potentially able to sway the outcome, every vote is crucial in determining the next leader.

As the tension mounts within the Republican Party, the outcome of the speaker vote remains uncertain. The party’s ability to unite behind a common leader will be essential in moving forward and delivering on the promises made to the American people.

This rewritten article maintains the original HTML tags, headings, and key points while providing a fresh perspective on the ongoing race for House Speaker. It seamlessly integrates into a WordPress platform, offering readers a comprehensive overview of the current political landscape within the Republican Party.