Donald Trump has given Rep. Jim Jordan his “complete and total endorsement” for Speaker of the House of Representatives following the ceremonious ouster of Kevin McCarthy. The 45th President claims he would also be willing to step in himself on a temporary basis if necessary.
The former president said Jordan, who leads House Freedom Caucus and chairs the House Judiciary Committee and Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, was strong on borders, crime, gun rights, and veterans, and would be a “GREAT” speaker.
If House Republicans are unable to select a speaker from among their own ranks, however, he has signaled he is ready to answer calls from some members that he fill the role himself.
“I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress,” Trump said. “If they don’t get the votes, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president,” he explained.
“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,” he added.
Rep. Matt Gaetz has previously endorsed Trump for the role, and Gaetz’s erstwhile ally Marjorie Taylor Greene – though she backed McCarthy – has also urged the former president to take up the gavel, saying the House of Representatives would become “the House of MAGA”.