Speaker of the US House nominees for the Republican party have developed a political lifespan similar to that of mayflies.

On Tuesday, Tom Emmer barely had time to bask in his five-round secret-ballot victory before it all came crashing down.

A familiar Republican demolitionist, Donald Trump, set the charges and pushed the plunger.

Last night, the former president pledged not to get involved in the Republican race for speaker. He posted a scathing post on his social media website within minutes of his coronation as speaker-designate.

It would be a “tragic mistake” to nominate the third-ranking House Republican as speaker because he is out of touch with the voters.

Although Mr Trump’s endorsement could not help Jim Jordan win the speakership last week, his anti-endorsement still packs a punch.

Immediately, hard-core conservatives, including Marjorie Taylor Greene and other right-wing firebrands, pledged to block Mr Emmer if his nomination made it to the House floor.

It is a phenomenon Republicans all too well understand, both in Washington and across the country. A major reason for the party to tread lightly around the former president, even if they have their doubts behind closed doors (and in secret ballots for speaker).

It continues to be an angry and retributive cycle for the Republicans.