Election 2024: Trump Declares Byron Donalds A TOTAL WINNER

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Post on Feb 22, 2025

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Trump Declares Byron Donalds a 'TOTAL WINNER' After House Speaker Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump declared Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) a "TOTAL WINNER" following the protracted and chaotic House Speaker election in January 2023. While Donalds ultimately did not secure the speakership, Trump's endorsement and subsequent pronouncements significantly amplified Donalds' profile within the Republican Party and the national political conversation. This declaration, however, came amidst a deeply fractured Republican caucus struggling to unify behind a single candidate.

The 118th Congress convened in a dramatic showdown that saw multiple ballots cast before Kevin McCarthy finally secured the speakership. Donalds, a rising star in the conservative wing of the Republican Party, emerged as a prominent challenger to McCarthy, garnering significant support from the hard-right faction that opposed McCarthy's more moderate stance. Trump's endorsement, delivered via his Truth Social platform, played a key role in boosting Donalds' candidacy, portraying him as a strong conservative alternative.

On [the specific date of the endorsement – January 7th, 2023], Trump's statement lauded Donalds' performance, hailing him as a "fantastic guy" and a "very effective Congressman" who displayed "great courage and strength" in his bid for the speakership. The former president contrasted Donalds' actions with McCarthy's, implying a lack of fortitude in the latter's pursuit of the gavel. The specific wording of Trump's "TOTAL WINNER" declaration, however, lacked the precise context usually associated with a declared victory. Instead, it appeared to be a recognition of Donalds' unexpectedly strong showing in the face of the established leadership.

This high-profile endorsement further solidified Donalds' position as a key player within the Republican Party and ignited speculation about his future political ambitions. While he ultimately did not win the speakership, his prominent role in the election highlighted the increasing influence of the party's more conservative faction and the growing fissures within the Republican ranks. The protracted voting process underscored deep divisions over leadership and policy direction, which continued to play out throughout the early days of the new Congress.

The event also served as a demonstration of Trump's continued power and influence over the Republican Party. His endorsement significantly impacted the dynamics of the speaker's race, even though McCarthy ultimately prevailed. Donalds’ unexpectedly strong showing demonstrated the potential for the more conservative faction of the party to challenge the established order, which could have significant implications for future elections and policy debates.

The protracted speaker vote itself highlighted the deepening ideological divides within the Republican Party, raising questions about its ability to govern effectively. Analysts argued that the internal struggles exposed during the speaker election could have broader consequences for the party's legislative agenda and its ability to present a unified front in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The events served as a clear indication of the ongoing power struggle within the Republican Party, and the role Trump plays in shaping its direction. Donalds, despite not winning the speakership, emerged as a significant figure in this ongoing political drama. His future within the party and his potential for higher office remain subjects of intense speculation.