Congress

GOP Leaders, Staff Ask Trump Not To Use His Reverse-Midas Touch

Written by SK Ashby

Who will be the next leader of House Republicans following Paul Ryan's retirement? It could be current majority leader Kevin McCarthy or it could be current majority whip Steve Scalise. Freedom Caucus nutcase Jim Jordan is also making moves.

In any case, they're all asking Trump to stay out of it because everything he touches turns to shit.

President Donald Trump wanted to endorse House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy to succeed outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan but is being advised not to back a candidate in the race, two White House officials and a source close to the administration tell ABC News. [...]

A source close to the White House said Trump’s advisors are concerned that the endorsement could complicate the contest, and Trump’s future relationship with the next GOP leader should his preferred candidate lose or decide not to run.

They don’t want him to end up with another black eye,” the source said. “They don’t want [Trump] to get involved. It’s another fight they don’t need.”

If Republicans don't retain control of the House, I'm not sure if it matters who the next GOP leader is or if Trump will get along with them.

If you figure that Trump is a purely transactional person, the next Republican leader may not have anything to offer him. They may not be in a position to make transactions.

Unlike the Senate where the minority can still wield a significant amount of influence, the House minority has relatively little power and Trump isn't particularly interested in people who have no power.