“They discussed many topics, the first of which was the resumption of the Chamber in 2022,” the statement said. “President Trump’s popularity has never been stronger than today and his endorsement means more than any endorsement at any time.”
The statement described the meeting as “cordial” and highlighted a stronger than expected performance among the top Republican candidates in the House, although Democrats held the majority in the House with a smaller margin.
McCarthy’s visit comes at a tumultuous time for the Republican Party, after Trump’s role before the January 6 deadly riot that attacked the Capitol that led to Trump’s second impeachment just days before he stepped down. Ten House Republicans voted to impeach Trump and the Senate is expected to take the ex-president’s trial next month. Still, all but five Republican senators voted earlier this week that such a judgment was not constitutional, outlining only some of the party’s divisions, as Democrats now control the legislative and executive branches.
CNN reported on Thursday that two sources told CNN that some people had warned McCarthy not to see Trump. A source familiar with the matter said it made McCarthy look weak. Another source close to McCarthy told CNN that the California Republican was told he would appear to “crawl back to Trump” and that this would further isolate him from conventional donors who wish to distance themselves from Trump.
McCarthy was also in Florida raising funds, as the House was launched this week.
This story is emerging and will be updated.