Former President Donald Trump essentially threw his hat into the ring to take on a short-term role as speaker of the House of Representatives.
With the media already screaming about “chaos” in the House after now-former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted earlier this week, Trump told Fox News that he would accept a short-term role as speaker if necessary should the Republican Party not be able to reach a consensus on who would replace McCarthy. The leading GOP presidential candidate sees himself as a “unifier” for the party — U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) filed the “motion to vacate” that forced the issue and he is a staunch Trump supporter.
“I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress,” Trump said. “If they don’t get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president.”
“They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion — I’m not doing it because I want to — I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision,” he added.
It’s not clear who approached him, but Trump’s name has been mentioned by a number of GOP lawmakers this week.
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) explained the process that could result in Trump becoming speaker in the video below, explaining that in her opinion he is the only leader she can trust:
This is how President Trump can become the next Speaker of the House. pic.twitter.com/XAOpDYPcEh
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) October 5, 2023
Two Republican leaders in the House have announced that they are running for speaker, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)
Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he was willing to do “whatever it is to help,” but stopped short of endorsing anyone for speaker.
“My focus is totally on that. If I can help them during the process, I’ll do it,” he said. “But we have some great people in the Republican Party that could do a great job as speaker.”
Here’s a quick sampling across the board in response to the story, as seen on X:
Oh, now that’s interesting. Would make for some interesting intel before he becomes 47.
— Croxxed Out (@FLCons) October 5, 2023
Yes 100%. Does it come with immunity too?
— Uddhav (@paraayanaananda) October 5, 2023
Demotion he’s not qualified for
He’s under Felony indictments pic.twitter.com/mXa1XQm7I4— Lisa Rexrode Hunter Biden’s Laptop (@rexrode_lisa1) October 5, 2023
My God, out country is the Jerry. Springer show
We so deserve judgement
I’ll stay in the DeSantis sane lane— You Too (@SOG1776) October 6, 2023
This might be necessary if they can’t figure it out between Jordan and Scalise.
— TheAbeFroman (@followed_ByBots) October 5, 2023
Oh yeah, in between court appearnaces
— Ted Ward (@TedWardjr) October 6, 2023
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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