On Wednesday, reporters asked former President Trump if he would serve as speaker of the House, and he said he was focused on doing what was best for the Republican Party.
Trump further stated that he had received numerous calls about taking over the empty speakership but indicated that he was more concerned with securing his position as president. In addition, he offered to help the House Republicans select a new speaker to replace Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was removed from his position on Tuesday.
“A lot of people have been calling me about the speaker,” Trump told reporters outside the courthouse in New York City, where he is facing a civil fraud prosecution brought against him by the state’s attorney general. “All I can say is we will do whatever is best for the country and the Republican Party. We have some great, great people. A lot of people have asked me about it.”
“If I can help them during the process, I will. But we have some great people in the Republican Party who would do a great job as speaker,” Trump continued. “My sole focus is being president and, quite honestly, actually making America great again. Because we are living in a country in decline, this is a country that is failing badly. We’re not respected worldwide; interest rates are through the roof, taxes are through the roof, inflation is horrible.”
The former president commented the day after McCarthy was ousted from office. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a motion to remove the speaker late on Monday, supported by seven other Republicans and all House Democrats.
Following the astonishing 216-210 vote, McCarthy said he wouldn’t run for speaker again. He served for just 269 days.
Many Republicans have expressed their support for Trump to fill the role of House Speaker, which include Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Greg Steube (R-FL). Speaker of the House positions do not require active membership in Congress.
“President Trump, the greatest president of my lifetime, has a proven record of putting America first and will make the House great again,” Troy Nehls said in a social media post on Tuesday.
“The only candidate for Speaker I am currently supporting is President Donald J. Trump,” Marjorie Taylor Greene added. “He will end the war in Ukraine, secure the border, end the politically weaponized government, and make American energy independent again. He will pass my bill to stop transgender surgeries on kids and keep men out of women’s sports. He will support our military and police. And so much more!”
Potential successors to McCarthy include Steve Scalise, R-La., the current House majority leader; Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the current House majority whip; Mike Johnson, R-La., Jodey Arrington, R-Texas; and Kevin Hern, R-Okla., who chairs the Republican Study Committee.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, announced his bid for House Speaker Wednesday morning.