WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to step into the role of Speaker of the House for up to 90 days to assist in unifying a Republican Party that finds itself in disarray following the chaotic ousting of Rep Kevin McCarthy.
The former president's unexpected offer comes at a time when he is already planning to make a significant appearance on Capitol Hill in the near future.
Donald Trump's offer and rationale
Trump, who is actively campaigning for the presidency once again, spoke to Fox News about the possibility of temporarily taking on the role of Speaker of the House.
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."
The position of Speaker of the House holds immense importance, as it is third in line to the White House in the order of presidential succession. Trump's potential involvement in this role has generated significant interest and speculation about its implications.
Trump's decision to insert himself into the House speaker race was foreshadowed by a meme he posted on social media, depicting him sitting in the speaker's chair while holding a giant gavel. Several of his allies in the House had previously suggested his name for this position.
Notably, firebrand Rep Jim Jordan, a close ally who has been vocal in opposing what he terms the 'weaponization' of the Justice Department against Trump, is among those running for the role against No 2 Republican Steve Scalise, the Majority Leader, following Kevin McCarthy's removal from the job.
It is worth noting that, technically, the Speaker of the House does not need to be a sitting member of the House, opening up the possibility of Trump assuming the role. Trump's potential involvement in the House speaker race has elicited varied reactions within the Republican Party and across the political spectrum.
Some, like Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, expressed enthusiasm, envisioning it as the "House of MAGA."
"If Trump becomes Speaker of the House, the House chamber will be like a Trump rally every day!!" Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., wrote on X. "It would be the House of MAGA!!!"
On the other hand, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer humorously declined the idea.
"No thanks, we're good. We've seen a Trump rally at the Capitol already," he responded.
Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee believed that Trump's participation in the forum could help unify Republicans around a candidate, stating, "I think what he'll do is he'll come in there and unify us, tell us to get behind somebody else."
Speculation on Trump's presidential victory
On social media, some loyalists of the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement speculated that Trump's involvement in the House speaker role could guarantee his victory in the 2024 presidential race.
"RUMOR: House Republicans are considering a plan that could result in Trump being elected Speaker and presiding over the Impeachments of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. If these impeachments are successful, Donald Trump would assume the presidency. Thoughts?" one posted on X.
"This would be the most equitable outcome I could imagine. If you love your country, make it happen Jim Jordan, Steve Scalise, and the rest of the Republicans. It is time to vote as a block. This one time," another pleaded.
"Best move THEY CAN MAKE!!! Bring UNITY TO THE HOUSE ONCE AND FOR ALL!!! JUST DO IT!!!" someone else wrote.
However, others dismissed the idea as unrealistic, citing the Democrats' control of the Senate and the unlikely conviction of both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
"Wouldn't Biden and Harris both have to be convicted in the Senate which would be unlikely since the Democrats are in control?" one asked.
"Sounds like a fun fantasy, but I don't think it will happen. I believe in miracles, and it would take a miracle for this to take place," a comment read.
"Let’s be real this isn’t realistic and won’t happen, my vote currently is for Jim Jordan and I hope he sticks to his word," another offered.
GOP conference's decision
The GOP conference, currently led by interim Speaker Patrick McHenry, will have to agree to allow Trump to attend the candidate forum. While it is improbable that they would bar the former president from the event, his presence is expected to stir mixed feelings among Republicans striving to restore order to the House.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, a senior House GOP aide expressed skepticism about Trump's potential as Speaker, stating, "Trump at the candidate forum would only make a tumultuous situation worse. Anyone who thinks he has any chance of becoming speaker is an unserious lawmaker interested only in media attention and social media engagement."
Notably, House GOP conference rules stipulate that no individual indicted for a felony can serve in a leadership position. Trump has faced indictment four times, which raises questions about his eligibility for the role.
