Jordan for Speaker – with Trump’s endorsement

Last night, President Donald J. Trump took himself out of the running for the Speakership of the House. He did so by endorsing the stronger of his two rivals for the post: Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).

Jim Jordan scores the big endorsement

Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) broke the news at 9:32 p.m. EDT last night.

Not long after that, The Post Millennial, which broke the story on its own site, shared this segment from Sean Hannity’s show:

Early this morning (12:13 a.m. EDT), Trump himself made it official, 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! While attending Graham High School, he won State Championships all four years, a rarity, and compiled an amazing 156-1 record. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jim became a two-time NCAA Division l Wrestling Champion. He won his 1985-86 NCAA Championship Matches in his weight class. Jim has a masters degree in Education from Ohio State University & a Law Degree from Capital University. 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!

Al-Jazeera (Arabic: “The Peninsula”) of Quatar broke the story internationally shortly after that “Truth” appeared.

Jordan needed Trump’s endorsement badly, because two of his colleagues (including Rep. Nehls) had nominated Trump earlier. Trump had also posted his willingness to consider contending for the spot.

Trump did indeed award Rep. Jordan the Medal of Freedom. It was one of his last acts as President, nine days before leaving office. The Associated Press hinted that Trump made the award for Jordan’s defense of him at his first impeachment trial. Significantly, Trump presented the award in a private ceremony with no press in attendance.

Jordan chairs the House Judiciary Committee and its Weaponization Subcommittee. This double chairman, and Rep. Jim Comer (R-Ky.), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, are the only two chairman willing to serve subpoenas on Biden administration officials.

Jordan has been canvassing for votes in his Conference since Rep. Matt Gaetz’ (R-Fla.) Motion to Vacate the Chair carried.

Some skepticism greeted his candidacy.

Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-Texas) recently survived an impeachment trial in the Texas Senate. Since then, he’s been settling old scores in Texas, and pressing some key federal border security and other cases.

MTG says nothing – so far

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) posted, less than an hour and a half before the first hints broke:

She has said nothing since on this subject, though she did quote a post from Glenn Greenwald about the FBI targeting Trump voters for being Trump voters.

Gov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) has already reposed 80 percent confidence that Jim Jordan will become the next House Speaker.