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Trump ‘can’t imagine’ Chip Roy winning House GOP chair over Elise Stefanik, Internet claims 'it's about fealty'

Trump weighs in on the race to replace Liz Cheney, backs Stefanik over Roy, who he says 'has not done a great job'

A day after ousting Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney as Republican Conference Chair, the race to replace her has started heating up. So far, two representatives have thrown their hat into the ring, but former president Donald Trump believes there is only one winner. 

Chip Roy, a representative from Texas confirmed plans to run for the leadership role, challenging rising star Elise Stefanik. Roy's spokesperson confirmed the plans on Thursday, May 13, saying "This must be a contested race — not a coronation".  The announcement drastically changes the dynamics of House Republicans, who were overwhelmingly believed to be behind Stefanik.

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The New York Congresswoman has so far got endorsements from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and Trump. Until Roy's announcement, the path to victory seemed very clear for Stefanik. That said, it is not clear what kind of support Roy really has. He will be nominated by Rep Ken Buck on Friday, May 14. Beyond Buck, there's no word on who else is backing Roy.

One person who isn't backing Stefanik's challenger is the former president, who put out a statement almost immediately after Roy's announcement. Available on his 'From the Desk' section of the website, Trump's latest statement backs Stefanik once again while denouncing Roy's candidacy. "Can’t imagine Republican House Members would go with Chip Roy—he has not done a great job, and will probably be successfully primaried in his own district. I support Elise, by far, over Chip!" Trump said. Since Trump is backing Stefanik, it's fair to assume she has more support within the party as Republicans have almost entirely fallen in line with Trump's wishes. Barring Cheney and Mitt Romney, almost no one has dared oppose Trump so far. 

As the statement made its way to social media, Twitter had plenty to say, both about Trump and Roy. 

'Just not good enough for Trump' notes Twitter

The Illinois Tea Party tweeted, "Clown stuff right here from Donald. Chip Roy is one of the best members of the House. Donald can support Stefanik if he wants, but saying Chip is doing a bad job". Another said, "Donald Trump's statement in opposition to Chip Roy makes it clear that this was never about distractions, it's about fealty."

"As if the ousting of Liz Cheney wasn’t enough, the GOP is about to underscore again just how little it cares about conservatism by tapping Stefanik instead of Chip Roy. Two insults in one week. If you’re a conservative who cares about principles, it’s past time to look elsewhere," said one person. Another said, "Chip Roy is simply a better and more principled alternative to Elise Stefanik. But he's not good enough for Trump because he hasn't actively peddled the lies he demands be peddled. Who's the distraction?"

Roy addressed his colleagues on Thursday, May 13, evening, at the candidate forum. It is unclear what he said or what kind of response his candidacy had. Reportedly, he told reporters "This is all DC swamp business" when pressed about Trump's statement. Roy famously voted to certify the 2020 election results, which is why Trump is refused to him having a position of power within his Republican party.

Instead, he is backing Stefanik, a hardcore Trump loyalist who has continued to spread questions about the results, and backed Trump constantly. She is widely beleived to become the next GOP Conference Chair, unless Republicans are brave enough to go against Trump and vote for Roy, which would almost certainly enrage Trump further.