Former President Donald Trump has formally endorsed Republican Jim Jordan (R-OH) as the next Speaker of the House.
“Congressman Jim Jordan was a STAR long before his very successful trip to Washington, DC, representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District,” the Republican presidential candidate announced in a post on Truth Social. “Respected by all, he is now chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. As President, I had the honor of presenting Jim with our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. There is so much to learn from sports and Jim was a champion! While attending Graham High School, he won the state championship all four years, a rarity, and compiled an incredible record of 156-1. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jim became a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion. He won the 1985-86 NCAA championship games in his weight class. Jim holds a Master of Arts in Education from The Ohio State University and a Master of Laws from Capital University. He is STRONG on crime, borders, our military/veterans, and the 2nd Amendment. Jim, his wife, Polly and family are outstanding.”
Trump emphasized that Jordan “will be a GREAT House Speaker and he has my full and complete support!”
🚨BREAKING: Trump Endorses Jim Jordan for House Speaker: pic.twitter.com/5M1DMm3ykT
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 6, 2023
The endorsement confirms what GOP Rep. Troy Nehls told reporters about which candidate the former president would support.
“He thinks Jim Jordan has the best chance of unifying our party and becoming speaker,” Nehls said. “And I’m not going to go against his wishes.”
Trump’s comments come after he offered to hold the position on an interim basis if Republicans are unable to reach a consensus on a successor following the ouster of Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif.).
“I was asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress,” the former president said. “If they don’t get the votes, they asked me if I would consider taking over as Speaker until they find someone long-term because I’m running for president.”
“They asked me if I would take it to the party for a short period until they come to an agreement,” he added. “I’m not doing it because I want to. I will do it if necessary, if they cannot make a decision.”
