After House Republicans chose to nominate House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) as their new House Speaker, many saw the choice as a rebuke against former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). And some are saying so out loud.

MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell had former Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) on to discuss the race for the new speaker, and after sizing up each candidate, the conversation turned to Trump’s influence on the vote.

It’s unusual for a former president to insert himself into an institutional decision such as this one, but Trump is always on the hunt for bragging rights. Upton even pointed out that Trump “doesn’t usually do this unless he thinks he’s going to win.” And clearly, he didn’t. Upton, several times, called the nomination of Scalise a “big loss” for Trump:

Mitchell: You mentioned the former president. It’s so unusual for a former president of the U.S. and the titular leader of the party to weigh in on a fight that’s this divided, with this division. How important is it for Donald Trump for Jim Jordan to win?

Upton: Well, I don’t think a president or former president has ever weighed in on the speakership. At least I don’t think that’s ever happened. Trump doesn’t usually do this unless he thinks he’s going to win, so it’s a big loss for him for sure. Even though it, and it may stem back to when they when he asked Scalise earlier this summer for an endorsement and Steve said, no, he was not ready to do so. And of course, Jordan jumped in right away. So that was one of the reasons why many outside observers thought that that’s why Trump endorsed Jordan. But it’s a big loss for Trump. But, you know, as they say, it’s not over till the fat lady sings.

Watch the video above via MSNBC.

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