By John T. Bennett

CQ-Roll Call

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he could twist enough House Republican arms to give Nancy Pelosi the necessary votes to become speaker.

The California Democrat says she has enough support in her caucus to win. But all indications are a floor vote could be close, meaning Republicans could for several reasons put her over the top.

For Trump, making Pelosi speaker would give him the sense that she owes him legislatively and also ensure that his top campaign-trail foil, who remains unpopular with Republican voters, remains in the headlines through his re-election campaign.

“I can get Nancy Pelosi as many votes as she wants in order for her to be Speaker of the House,” he said on Twitter Saturday morning ahead of a trip to California to visit with people affected by wildfires.

He again wrote that Pelosi “deserves this victory, she has earned it —but there are those in her party who are trying to take it away.”

Ultimately, Pelosi “will win!” Trump said.

I can get Nancy Pelosi as many votes as she wants in order for her to be Speaker of the House. She deserves this victory, she has earned it —but there are those in her party who are trying to take it away. She will win!”

Pelosi said Thursday that she intends to win the speakership with Democratic votes and would not accept help from Republicans.

“Oh please, no,” she said. “Never. Never. Never.”