Trump mocks Amash over White House bid

President Trump on Wednesday mocked Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.) after the Republican-turned-Independent congressman launched an exploratory committee for a third-party presidential bid, saying he would make a “wonderful candidate.”

“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,” Trump tweeted Wednesday morning.

Trump shared a tweet linking to a Washington Post column written by failed Republican presidential primary challenger Joe Walsh that argued Amash’s prospective bid could help Trump get reelected. Trump also compared Amash to 2016 Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein, who was accused of taking votes away from Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and thereby helping Trump’s victory in 2016.

“He almost always votes for the Do Nothing Dems anyway. I like him even more than Jill Stein!” Trump tweeted.

Amash, who left the GOP last July to become an Independent, launched a website announcing the exploratory committee for a Libertarian presidential bid on Tuesday evening.

The move represented the surest sign to date that Amash will pursue a long-shot big for president in 2020.  

“Americans are ready for practical approaches based in humility and trust of the people,” the Michigan lawmaker said in a statement Tuesday.

“We’re ready for a presidency that will restore respect for our Constitution and bring people together. I’m excited and honored to be taking these first steps toward serving Americans of every background as president,” he continued.

Amash has represented Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District since 2011 and was facing a difficult reelection battle, with several Republicans vying for the party’s nomination.

It is unclear whether a decision by Amash to run for president would more significantly impact Trump or his Democratic challenger, presumed to be former Vice President Joe Biden, in the 2020 election.