Trump Backs Jordan Over Scalise For House Speaker Role
President Donald Trump has given his full endorsement to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), current Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, for the open position of Speaker of the House. This decision comes after Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) abrupt removal from the prestigious role earlier this week.
Taking to the Truth Social, Trump lavished praise on Jordan, recognizing his admirable achievements inside and outside Washington. “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 emphasized. He also highlighted Jordan’s sporting accomplishments, including his exceptional wrestling record at Graham High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Trump’s backing of Jordan quells previous speculations regarding the 45th President’s interest in the Speaker position. It was rumored, fueled partly by Trump’s surrogates, that he might be keen on occupying this leadership role despite historical precedence indicating that speakers typically emerge from within Congressional ranks.
However, the dynamics of the House Republicans’ majority would have made it challenging for Trump. Given their slim lead, an almost unanimous vote would be required to secure his position. Signs of opposition from within party lines suggested a potential conflict that would not have necessarily been helpful to his ongoing 2024 presidential campaign.
Jordan has consistently championed conservative values and displayed fierce loyalty to Trump, staunchly defending him during the two impeachment inquiries brought forward by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (R-CA). This loyalty wasn’t a one-way street, with Jordan publicly announcing his 100% support for Trump’s potential 2024 presidential campaign.
This endorsement was more than a mere formality. It was a clear nod of approval from the former President, further solidifying Jordan’s candidacy in a race that had him contending against House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA). Before Trump’s nod, Jordan had already gathered momentum with backing from leading Republicans such as House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH) and Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN), among others.
Though Trump has dismissed the idea of him assuming the role of Speaker, he’s made it clear that if the Republicans faced an internal deadlock, he would consider the position temporarily. “I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress,” Trump commented, suggesting that his focus remains unwavering on the 2024 presidential race.
With this endorsement, Trump has shown, once again, his ability to influence the course of the GOP’s leadership. As the party unites under a new speaker, their sights are set firmly on future endeavors and strengthening their majority in the House as the next government shutdown threat looms in mid-November.
