Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) said he has spoken to Donald Trump about his bid to become the next House speaker, and he vowed to protect Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) from being voted out of the Republican conference.
The Ohio Republican told NBC News that he spoke to the former president, who some Republicans have floated as a possible speaker, but declined to offer details about their discussion. He said he would not support exiling Gaetz, whose motion to vacate triggered the ouster of Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from House leadership.
“I talked to the president about this and all kinds of issues,” Jordan said, but wouldn't say whether Trump supported his candidacy. “I don’t want to say anything, but I had a great conversation with the president.”
Trump suggested earlier Thursday that he might be willing to serve "short term" as House speaker while running for president, although GOP conference rules prohibit anyone facing indictment for crimes that carry two-year prison terms or longer from running for speaker.
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Jordan committed to keeping Gaetz within the GOP conference, saying that banishment was not warranted.
“We’ve got a four-seat majority, [and] Matt’s a talented member of Congress.” Jordan said. “I disagree with what he did … but he’s a great member of our committee … I think we gotta come together.”
