Rep. Justin Amash Says He May Run For President As Libertarian After Trump Claims President Has ‘Total Authority’

Rep. Justin Amash (I-Michigan), a former Republican turned libertarian, declared Monday that he may challenge President Donald Trump in the 2020 general election. The congressman shared his intentions after the president claimed in a press briefing Monday that he had “total authority” over the states.

Amash hit back at the president for his false claim. 

President Trump is flat-out wrong. The president has no authority to “close down” or “open up” the states. He’s the one creating conflict and confusion. Put down the authoritarianism and read the Constitution. https://t.co/3AFqRx7YTX

— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 13, 2020

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Amash then tweeted that Americans deserve “another option.”

Americans who believe in limited government deserve another option. https://t.co/c7P2vOTyOe

— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 13, 2020

 

The Michigan lawmaker’s Twitter flooded with responses. Amash replied to one supporter who encouraged him to run. He wrote that he is “closely” considering launching a bid. 

Thanks. I’m looking at it closely this week.

— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 14, 2020

He touted libertarian values and continued to share another post.

State governments are not local branches of the federal government; they have different powers and functions. Putting one government in charge of everything does not strengthen our system; it weakens our system and makes everyone more vulnerable to serious errors.

— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 14, 2020

Amash left the Republican Party in July. Before he severed ties, the representative had been the sole Republican member of Congress to support Trump’s impeachment.