After a small group of Republicans joined forces with the entire House Democrat Caucus to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from his speaker position this week, former President Donald Trump endorsed House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) for the role.
Reports from Thursday indicated that Trump was contemplating a visit to Capitol Hill next week to explore the possibility of uniting the caucus before their upcoming speaker vote.
Trump posted to social media, “Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District. Respected by all, he is now Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. As President, I had the honor of presenting Jim with our Country’s highest civilian award, The Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
Trump continued, “So much is learned from sports, and Jim was a master! While attending Graham High School, he won State Championships all four years, a rarity, and compiled an amazing 156-1 record. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jim became a two-time NCAA Division l Wrestling Champion. He won his 1985-86 NCAA Championship Matches in his weight class.”
He concluded, “Jim has a masters degree in Education from Ohio State University & a Law Degree from Capital University. 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 endorses Jim Jordan for speaker of the House: 'Complete & Total Endorsement' https://t.co/V4lFRLihBI
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 6, 2023
Prior to Trump’s endorsement, many prominent Republicans indicated their support for Jordan over House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA).
Other supporters of Jordan included Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN), Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and several others.
Trump’s endorsement put to rest speculations, which were promoted by some of his surrogates and hinted at by the former president himself, suggesting that he might consider becoming the Speaker of the House. It’s worth noting that the House has never elected a speaker from outside of Congress.
Trump potentially serving as Speaker of the House would have raised complications due to Republican Party conference rules, which mandate GOP leaders to resign from their positions “if indicted for a felony for which a sentence of two or more years imprisonment may be imposed.”
The Republican Party rules align with similar policies within the Democratic Party. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) had to relinquish his position as chairman of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee following charges of multiple felonies related to an alleged bribery scheme.
