President Trump gave Rep. Justin Amash a sarcastic message of support after the congressman launched an exploratory committee to consider running for the Libertarian Party’s 2020 presidential nomination.
The Michigan independent, who left the Republican Party last summer, announced his exploratory committee on Tuesday, indicating he is serious about initiating a third-party bid for president after dropping a series of hints.
“I think Amash would make a wonderful candidate, especially since he is way behind in his district and has no chance of maintaining his Congressional seat,” the president tweeted Wednesday morning. “He almost always votes for the Do Nothing Dems anyway. I like him even more than Jill Stein!”
No, I think Amash would make a wonderful candidate, especially since he is way behind in his district and has no chance of maintaining his Congressional seat. He almost always votes for the Do Nothing Dems anyway. I like him even more than Jill Stein! https://t.co/V8kutnfvIj
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 29, 2020
Trump’s tweet was in response to a comment from Never Trump Republican consultant Rick Wilson, who was promoting an opinion piece from former Rep. Joe Walsh. Walsh, who attempted to challenge the president for the GOP 2020 presidential nomination, argued in his piece that Amash’s candidacy would help Trump win reelection.
Amash, 39, must secure the Libertarian Party’s nomination at its national convention. While the party has held state presidential preference contests, the primaries and caucuses have no bearing on whom delegates may choose to nominate at the convention. The event was supposed to take place this month but was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Party leaders have a meeting set for this weekend to reschedule it.
The congressman was first elected during the 2010 Tea Party wave and helped found the House Freedom Caucus. Last year, Amash signaled his support for impeaching Trump and publicly accused his Republican colleagues of prioritizing party loyalty over the principles he holds dear, including constitutional order, limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberty.
He “declared his independence” from the GOP in a July 4 opinion piece, making him the only independent member of the House.
