After a bruising week in congress, Republican leader Kevin McCarthy finally was confirmed as speaker after being voted down 14 times, a record not equalled since the Civil War.

The Trump legacy of forcing dubious candidates into winnable seats meant that McCarthy did not have a House majority without the rump of right-wing Trumpists.  This has allowed them disproportionate power, which will skew much of the Republican agenda.

In show of breathtaking hubris, Mr Trump took to Social Media (those that he still has access to) to claim credit for getting Kevin McCarthy over the line.

Image: Image: Courtesy R Chambers

Produced By: Roderick Chambers

Featured In Story: Bruce Wolpe – US Studies Centre, University of Sydney

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 10 January 2023