Former US President Donald Trump is officially endorsing Republican Jim Jordan of Ohio, one of two candidates running for speaker, along with House member Steve Scalise of Louisiana.
Both candidates need 218 votes to succeed Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House.
“Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, DC, representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District. He will be a great speaker of the House, & has my complete & total endorsement!”
Trump made the announcement hours after Texas House member Troy Nehls said Thursday night that the former president had decided to support Jordan’s candidacy. Trump also stated that he himself was willing to serve as interim leader if Republicans were unable to decide on a successor after McCarthy’s stunning removal.
Donald Trump, the current GOP presidential candidate has taken advantage of the situation to once again demonstrate his control over the Republican Party.
House Republicans are deeply split, with some asking him to lead them after the searing divisions that forced McCarthy to resign as speaker.
According to two unnamed Republicans familiar with his views, Trump has been telling people in recent days that he favours Jordan for the post. But it was unclear whether he intended to announce that before Nels’ statement Thursday on X, formerly Twitter:
Just had a great conversation with President Trump about the Speaker’s race. He is endorsing Jim Jordan, and I believe Congress should listen to the leader of our party.
