On Friday, Donald Trump endorsed ultra-conservative Rep. Jim Jordan as the next House Speaker, expressing confidence in his abilities and praising his political and wrestling achievements on Truth Social.
The announcement was first made by Fox News’ Sean Hannity and confirmed by Rep. Troy Nehls, who had spoken to Trump.
This endorsement could impact the race for the speakership, which has become uncertain following the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy earlier this week. Jordan, a staunch Trump ally and prominent GOP figure investigating President Joe Biden, is known for his conservative stance and could potentially be one of the most conservative speakers in recent memory.
Jordan and Rep. Steve Scalise from Louisiana are both garnering support for the speaker’s role. Jordan has Trump’s backing, while Scalise, a former majority leader under McCarthy, does not.
Jordan, a co-founder of the conservative Freedom Caucus, believes he can unite the fractured Republican conference, as he stated in a recent Fox News interview.
Trump also threw his hat into the ring, telling Fox News he would consider a temporary House Speaker role if needed.
“If they don’t get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term because I am running for president,” Trump said. “They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party until they come to a conclusion — I’m not doing it because I want to — I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to decide.”
