Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Kevin McCarthy to become the new House of Representatives speaker as chaos gripped the Republicans when hardliners blocked the appointment.
Republican bosses had planned to replace Democrat speaker Nancy Pelosi with party leader Mr McCarthy after wresting control of the House in the recent midterm elections
But the usually straightforward process was thrown into disarray on Tuesday when a group of right-wing Republicans put forward their own candidate, Jim Jordan.
The group’s support of Mr Jordan – who insisted he did not want the job – meant Mr McCarthy could not secure enough votes from his party to win the vote.
It is the first time in 100 years that a nominee for House speaker failed to be appointed on the first vote.
Jim Jordan was put forward as an alternative
The group behind the rebellion – the ultraconservative Freedom caucus – are usually vocal backers of ex-president Mr Trump, who has previously backed Mr McCarthy for House speaker.
And in a post on his social media platform, Mr Trump repeated his support when he wrote: “It’s now time for all of our GREAT Republican House Members to VOTE FOR KEVIN, CLOSE THE DEAL, TAKE THE VICTORY.
“DO NOT TURN A GREAT TRIUMPH INTO A GIANT & EMBARRASSING DEFEAT.”
Explainer:
Why the Republicans are struggling to pick a new House Speaker
However, figures including Florida representative Matt Gaetz have publicly spoken out against Mr Trump’s pick.
After three rounds of inconclusive voting, the House of Representatives adjourned without choosing a new speaker, blocking the House from carrying out its usual business until a new presiding officer is chosen.
Without a speaker, the House cannot fully form and cannot swear in its members, name its committee chairs and engage in floor proceedings.
The House is scheduled to vote again at midday on Wednesday (5pm GMT), with Mr McCarthy insisting he will not drop out.
“It’s not going to happen,” he said when asked if he would back down.
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However, the rebels also showed no signs of ceding either, with Republican holdout Bob Good saying: “Kevin McCarthy is not going to be a speaker.”