Trump Caught ‘Off Guard’ By Republican’s Announcement Ex-President Was Endorsing Jim Jordan for Speaker, CNN Reports

CNN’s Kaitlan Collins reported on Friday night that Donald Trump and his inner circle were caught by surprise when a House Republican announced the former president will endorse Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) for speaker.

On Thursday, Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) tweeted that Trump is backing Jordan to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who was ousted from the speakership this week by a small rebel faction in his party, as well as the Democratic conference.

“Just had a great conversation with President Trump about the Speaker’s race,” Nehls wrote. “He is endorsing Jim Jordan, and I believe Congress should listen to the leader of our party. I fully support Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House.”

Kicking off The Source on Friday, Collins said Trump is intent on the next speaker being “someone who is loyal enough to him.” As the de facto leader of the Republican Party, the former president may have enough sway to handpick the next speaker.

The host also said Nehls’ tweet put Trump and his team on their heels:

Trump’s actually looking to capitalize on the entire chaotic spectacle by going to Washington next week to endorse his pick potentially, during that GOP meeting that is set to happen on Tuesday. But that plan hit a brick wall when Congressman Troy Nehls tweeted this, catching not only Trump, but his inner circle off guard.

Collins read Nehls’ tweet and added, “Though Trump had been reluctant to actually do so publicly at least, that [post] did force him to the post his own shortly after midnight affirming that yes, Jim Jordan does have his endorsement in this race.”

Jordan is running against Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and potentially Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) for the speakership.

Watch above via CNN.