Finally, Donald Trump is making some sense. In an uncharacteristic, somewhat altruistic move, Trump endorsed Jim Jordan to vacate the position left by former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy upon his ousting earlier this week.
For a hot minute, there was a wild scheme for Donald Trump to assume the top position in the House.
Trump Says He’ll Step Up for Republicans
Trump told Fox News Digital that he would accept a short-term role as speaker of the House of Representatives to serve as a “unifier” for the Republican Party until lawmakers reach a decision on who should take on the post.
“I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “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.”
I’m not sure “unifier” is the first word I would equate with Donald Trump, however, he has proven that he often sees himself in a different light than many others do.
“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 make their decision,” Trump said.
As if Trump doesn’t already have enough to manage. With 91 charges against him across four separate criminal cases and an increasingly challenging civil fraud trial spearheaded by a vindictive attorney general and a seemingly very politically biased judge, it’s apparent the former president’s calendar is already a little full.
Thankfully, Trump and Republicans have come to their senses.
Trump Endorses Jordan
Last night, Trump declared his support for Jordan as Speaker on Truth Social.
“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. So much is learned from sports, and Jim was a master!” commenting on Jordan’s career as an accomplished wrestler and coach.
He continued his ringing endorsement saying, “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!”
Why Trump’s Support Matters
Trump’s support still carries a lot of weight amongst his MAGA supporters as well as a handful in Congress.
Matt Goetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene are among the handful that said they would support a Trump speakership.
Greene took to X the other day to say, in fact, he is the only person she would support to replace McCarthy.
“The only candidate for Speaker I am currently supporting is President Donald J. Trump. He will end the war in Ukraine. He will secure the border,” she said.
“He will end the politically weaponized government. He will make America energy independent again. He will pass my bill to stop transgender surgeries on kids and keep men out of women’s sports. He will support our military and police. And so much more!” Greene posted.
Trump’s endorsement could help Jordan secure the position, or, as it did with midterm candidates, sink his chances.
House Republicans are slated to have their candidate forum on Tuesday and internal election on Wednesday. Until then, with no speaker, the House is effectively at a standstill.
The turmoil comes at a time of increasing pressure in Congress to pass a budget bill. The temporary stop gap pushed through by McCarthy will only last until November 17.
If the vote to secure McCarthy as the Speaker back in January is any indication, there are going to be some long, tension-filled nights in the House.
Jennifer Galardi is the politics and culture editor and opinion writer for 19FortyFive.com. She has a Master’s in Public Policy from Pepperdine University and produces and hosts the podcast Connection with conversations that address health, culture, politics, and policy. In a previous life, she wrote for publications in the health, fitness, and nutrition space. In addition, her pieces have been published in the Epoch Times and Pepperdine Policy Review. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
