Republican says Trump was playing golf when president-elect called him to switch House speaker vote to Johnson

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., found himself in a bit of a pickle on Friday when he initially voted for Jim Jordan for speaker of the House but was later convinced by President-elect Trump to change his vote, all while Trump was working on his golf game.

Norman was one of three Republicans who initially refused to vote for Mike Johnson to retain his role. Trump, in his typical persuasive fashion, called Norman multiple times to try to influence his vote on the speaker.

During their first phone call, Trump was on the golf course. “He said, ‘Look, I’m in the middle of a golf game.’ That was the first time I talked to him,” Norman said. Trump reminded Norman that he had previously voted for Nikki Haley and urged him to support Mike Johnson.

Trump, known for his love of golf, owns numerous golf courses and even survived an assassination attempt at one of them last summer. With a USGA handicap as low as 2.5 and claiming to have recorded eight holes-in-one, Trump’s passion for the sport is undeniable.

Norman wasn’t the only one on the receiving end of Trump’s persuasion. Trump also spoke with Keith Self, R-Texas, in an effort to sway his vote. Self confirmed that he had spoken with Trump multiple times that day, describing their discussions as “lively.”

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., played a pivotal role in connecting Trump with Self and Norman after they initially voted against Johnson. Ultimately, Johnson won the House speakership in the first round of voting, despite the initial setback.

The House leaders did not formally close the vote, giving GOP lawmakers a chance to reconsider. Self, Norman, and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., all voted for lawmakers other than Johnson, momentarily putting the speaker’s gavel out of reach. However, a second vote was not necessary as Johnson was sworn in as speaker later that day.

In the end, Trump’s persuasive tactics and love for golf played a significant role in securing Johnson’s position as speaker of the House. The political drama unfolded on the backdrop of Trump’s favorite pastime, showcasing the unique blend of politics and leisure that often characterizes the world of Washington D.C.