McCarthy sidesteps question on endorsing Trump: ‘The campaign is still going’

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) sidestepped a question about endorsing former President Trump on Sunday, arguing the “campaign is still going.”

Asked by NBC “Meet the Press” anchor Kristen Welker why he has not yet endorsed Trump, McCarthy said, “The campaign is still going. There’s a very good chance I would endorse President Trump.”

Welker interjected, pointing out Trump’s wide lead in the Republican presidential primary. Trump has maintained a strong lead in the primaries throughout the campaign season, with other candidates trailing far behind the former president.

“He’s the clear front-runner. What are you waiting for?” Welker asked.

“Well, I believe — well, you know what, because I’ve got a southern border wide open, I have war in the Middle East, I got things I’m focused on right now,” McCarthy said. “I believe President Trump will be our nominee and I believe President Trump will get reelected. Think about what Biden has done … he has brought in chaos.”

Pressed over if he is still a “MAGA Republican,” McCarthy said, “You know what? I am a conservative Republican from the beginning to the end.”

“And that’s what I’ve always been. You can try to phrase different names to people, but I’m proud of who I am,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy and Trump maintained a good relationship after the former president left the White House in 2021.

Trump played a role in the California Republican securing the Speakership in January after 15 rounds of votes by both publicly and privately urging Republicans to back McCarthy for Speaker amid GOP internal divisions.

Those internal divisions have taken center stage in recent weeks following the historic ousting of McCarthy from the top spot. Eight Republicans joined all House Democrats in voting 216-210 to boot McCarthy from the Speakership.

Now, Republicans vying for the Speakership have met more internal conflict as they struggle to shore up the 217 votes needed to take the Speaker’s gavel.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) failed through three rounds of voting on the House floor last week, losing more GOP support with each ballot. The House GOP conference later voted Friday by a secret ballot to no longer back Jordan as its Speaker nominee, sending the House back to square one. 

Since then, numerous Republicans have thrown their hat into the ring, making for a crowded race expected to unfold this week.