Trump endorses Jim Jordan for House speaker: ‘Respected by all’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump gave his official favor to Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan to be the U.S. House of Representatives’ next speaker.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., is also running for the position.
The move comes as Republicans have scrambled to figure out who will replace California Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy, removed from the position earlier this week, an effort led by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.
“Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District,” Trump announced around midnight Friday.
“As President, I had the honor of presenting Jim with our Country’s highest civilian award, The Presidential Medal of Freedom,” he said. “So much is learned from sports, and Jim was a master!”
“He is STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment. Jim, his wife, Polly, & family are outstanding – He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!” Trump said.
Patrick McHenry, a Republican representative from North Carolina who served as speaker pro tempore, reportedly plans to bring together the conference and choose a new speaker next week.
Trump’s announcement comes after he mulled taking the speakership himself, if asked by party leadership, until the Republicans could come up with a more permanent leader.
“We’ll do whatever’s best for the country and the Republican Party,” Trump previously said. “My focus is totally on [presidential election]. If I can help them during the process, I would do it.”
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., who emerged as a potential McCarthy alternative for speaker earlier this year, also endorsed Jordan for the role.
“It’s time to get back to work for the American people,” Donalds said.
Other prominent Republicans have endorsed Jordan for the speakership, including Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
Gaetz said earlier this week that Jordan would be “great” as the House speaker.
