President Donald Trump dedicated his address to Republican lawmakers on Tuesday to the late Representative Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., following the congressman's unexpected passing earlier that day.
As reported by Fox News, Trump was initially set to speak at the House GOP members' retreat at the Trump-Kennedy Center but considered canceling after hearing of LaMalfa's death. The President commended LaMalfa for his unwavering support, noting that he never needed to persuade him to back his initiatives.
"I spoke to Doug, but I didn't speak to him, you know? I mean, we never had a problem. I was really saddened by his passing and was thinking about not even doing the speech in his honor," Trump remarked. "But then I decided that I have to do it in his honor. I'll do it in his honor because he would've wanted it that way."
Trump further reflected on LaMalfa's character, stating, "He would've said, 'Do that speech! Are you kidding me? Do the speech.'" He added, "He was a fantastic person. Man, that was a quick one. I don't know quite yet what happened, but boy is that a tough one. He was just with us. He was our friend. All of us, every one of us." The circumstances surrounding LaMalfa's death at the age of 65 remain unconfirmed.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., expressed his sorrow on X, saying, "Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Dougs wife, Jill, and their children." LaMalfa was celebrated for his dedication to conservative principles and his amiable nature toward both journalists and fellow legislators.
Representing Northern California's 1st Congressional District, LaMalfa also served as the chair of the Congressional Western Caucus. His passing reduces the Republican majority in the House to 218213, allowing for only a two-vote margin to pass legislation strictly along party lines.
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