GOP Aims to Appoint Trump Loyalist Rep. Jim Jordan as Speaker Despite Party Dissent

The Republican Party is rallying to appoint Rep. Jim Jordan, a steadfast confidant of former President Donald Trump, as the next Speaker of the House, signifying the increasing influence of the party’s hard-right faction within mainstream GOP politics.

The House is slated to commence voting this Tuesday at noon in what is anticipated to be a heated contest for the Speaker’s gavel. A minority of GOP members, however, are withholding their support for the Ohio Congressman, perceiving him as too radical for the influential role, which is second only to the presidency in the line of succession.

Despite the resistance from certain Republican quarters, public scrutiny and advocacy from Trump supporters, such as Fox News commentator Sean Hannity, are putting considerable pressure on the dissenters. Jordan has successfully swayed numerous skeptics in just a few days, especially after the unanticipated removal of Kevin McCarthy from the Speaker’s position.

“After our meeting late last night at the Capitol, it is clear that the American people need a functioning House of Representatives, and that can only be achieved once a Speaker is in place,” Jordan remarked.

As the internal GOP meeting escalated into a forum for grievances among Republicans, Jordan admitted, “There are still some colleagues we need to engage and listen to.”

Jordan’s journey towards the speakership has been fraught with challenges. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, he has faced uphill battles, especially after the GOP majority in the House disintegrated into disarray following McCarthy’s abrupt exit.

In order to secure the Speaker’s gavel, Jordan must gain near-unanimous support from his Republican colleagues, as Democrats are expected to back their own nominee, Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Last Friday, Jordan fell substantially short in an internal party vote after Majority Leader Steve Scalise abandoned his own campaign for the position due to lack of support from Jordan’s allies.

Nonetheless, Jordan can count on backing from Trump as well as grass-roots activists familiar with him from his cable news appearances and spirited committee hearings. Many within the GOP believe that it would be difficult for ordinary members to publicly oppose Jordan in a floor vote.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who played a role in McCarthy’s exit, has been publicly acknowledging lawmakers who have shifted their allegiance to Jordan, while criticizing those who haven’t. Gaetz recently applauded Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri for announcing her support, following a detailed conversation with Jordan that allayed her concerns about various policy matters, including government funding and border security.

However, the path ahead remains uncertain. With the GOP holding a slim majority of 221-212 in the House, Jordan cannot afford to lose many votes to reach the 217-vote majority threshold, assuming there are no absences. The reticence of some Republicans, like Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, over Jordan’s stance related to the events of January 6, 2021, and his denial of President Joe Biden’s 2020 election win, also pose obstacles.

Democrats have unequivocally condemned this shift toward the far-right within the GOP, labeling Jordan as the figurehead of the party’s chaotic faction.

“Putting an individual involved in insurrectionist activities in the Speaker’s chair is something we are striving to prevent,” stated Democratic Whip Rep. Katherine Clark.

Long a staunch defender of Trump, particularly concerning the events of January 6, Jordan continues to stand by the former President, who currently faces multiple indictments including election fraud allegations. Trump, now considered the GOP’s leading candidate for the 2024 presidential race, has been advocating for Jordan’s appointment since the outset.

Amidst the impending vote, internal tensions within the Republican Party remain high. Some members express frustration over the coercive tactics used by Jordan’s allies, including threats of primary challenges for those who do not support him.

Besides political challenges, Jordan also faces scrutiny over his past, particularly allegations made by former wrestlers at Ohio State University that claim he knew about sexual abuse incidents. Jordan has vehemently denied these allegations.

As the deadline for congressional appropriations looms, along with requests for supplemental foreign aid, some Republicans are cautious about elevating Jordan during such a tumultuous period for the nation.

Contributors to this report include Kevin Freking, Farnoush Amiri, Stephen Groves, and Mary Clare Jalonick from Big Big News.

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More about House Speaker

• Jim Jordan’s Political Profile
• History of the Speaker of the House Position
• Internal Struggles within the GOP
• Democratic Reactions to Jim Jordan’s Nomination
• The Role of Media in Political Nominations
• Details on the House Speaker Vote
• Background on January 6, 2021, Capitol Attack
• Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s Political Career
• Overview of the Freedom Caucus
• Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’ Political Profile