I think we can all agree receiving an endorsement from the big man, Donald Trump himself is one of the best someone can ask for. And luckily for Rep. Jim Jordan, he just got it.
As the Republican Party scrambles to find a replacement for outgoing House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, it looks like former President Donald Trump plans to throw his support behind Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), according to Sean Hannity.
The news comes as House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy was voted out of his position, making way for a new leader within the GOP.
Hannity: “Just prior to coming on the air tonight, I have direct sources that are telling me former President Trump is very close to endorsing Jim Jordan very soon for Speaker.” pic.twitter.com/L6wvQ0jMHB
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) October 6, 2023
Rep. Jim Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, expressed his openness on Hannity’s show about Trump becoming speaker and had a “great conversation” with him on Thursday, October 5, about the opening.
This could give Jordan an edge over another leading candidate, Steve Scalise, if GOP members ultimately decide on their next speaker based on endorsements from party leaders or celebrities.
His appointment would mark yet another shift in power within the party since its inception nearly 20 years ago.
Despite the legal issues that could keep him away from Capitol Hill, at least two other Republicans have identified Donald Trump as their preferred candidate for the role.
????????????Hannity says Donald Trump has been contacted about possibly being an “interim Speaker of the House,” Jim Jordan reacts LIVE:
"He'd be great… I want him at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue but if he wants to be Speaker, that's fine too."
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 4, 2023
However, there is one potential roadblock keeping Donald Trump from becoming speaker: a little-known rule prohibiting those who have been indicted for felonies from holding such an exalted position within the party ranks.
Rep. Jim Jordan said Thursday he had a "great conversation" with former President Donald Trump about Jordan's bid to become the next House speaker but wouldn't say if he has Trump's support. pic.twitter.com/TrtxDmlrlB
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) October 5, 2023
This could be problematic given that President Trump currently faces 91 charges across four separate criminal cases—adding up to 712 years and six months in prison if convicted—which may make him ineligible for serving as house speaker under current regulations set forth by the Republican Conference Rules of 118th Congress.
Despite this obstacle, two members of GOP leadership have already identified him as their preferred candidate should they move forward with selecting someone new to fill Kevin McCarthy’s shoes.
