Former US President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to temporarily serve as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Trump confirmed that he would fill the speaker role on an interim basis if needed. He stated, “I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress. 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.”
This announcement comes after Kevin McCarthy was ousted as House speaker, marking the first removal of a House speaker in US history. Lawmakers are expected to vote on a replacement for McCarthy next week. If Trump is chosen for the role, he would be responsible for leading the legislative agenda in the Republican-controlled chamber.
Despite his potential role as speaker, Trump remains the leading candidate for the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nomination. This could give him significant influence over the party’s legislative priorities while also campaigning for the presidency.
Reports suggest that Trump is planning a visit to Washington next week to meet with Republican legislators. Politico and other media outlets have stated that Trump is expected to make a stop in Washington on Tuesday, sandwiched between campaign events in New Hampshire and Florida.
While the US has never had a House speaker who was not an elected representative, there is no constitutional prohibition against a non-member holding the position. The speaker holds significant power in the political system, determining which bills come up for votes and overseeing committee assignments. The speaker is also next in line for the presidency in the event that the vice president is unable to replace an ousted or incapacitated commander-in-chief.
In recent days, Trump has further ignited speculation about his potential as speaker by sharing social media posts that support him for the role. One such post featured a doctored photo of Trump standing in front of the speaker’s chair, holding the gavel.
However, Trump clarified that he is not seeking to be elected as House speaker. Instead, he is open to filling the role for a temporary period of 30 to 90 days. This would give Republican lawmakers time to reach a consensus on a long-term replacement for McCarthy. Representatives Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise have already announced their bids for the position.
When asked about the possibility of replacing McCarthy, Trump stated that his focus is on running for president. He emphasized that his priority is doing what is best for the country and the Republican Party.
In conclusion, former President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to serve as the interim Speaker of the House of Representatives. While he remains a top contender for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in 2024, Trump is open to leading the legislative agenda on a temporary basis if needed.
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