Former President Donald Trump has suggested that he is open to filling the vacant House Speaker position. Trump made the comments in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, saying that he would be “honored” to serve as Speaker.
Trump, the frontrunner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary race, was asked about taking the position by reporters outside the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, where he stands trial for a civil fraud case.
“A lot of people have been calling me about becoming speaker,” Trump said. “All I can say is we’ll do whatever’s best for the country and for the Republican Party.”
The House voted 216-210 on Tuesday to remove McCarthy as speaker, a role he held since January. Eight Republicans joined with Democrats to vote against McCarthy: Gaetz, Andy Biggs (AZ), Ken Buck (CO), Eli Crane (AZ), Bob Good (VA), Matt Rosendale (MT), Tim Burchett (TN), and Nancy Mace (SC).
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) became temporary speaker as lawmakers hash out who will run for the gavel. A simple majority will be needed to secure victory.
“If I can help them during the process, I would do it,” Trump continued. “But we have some great people in the Republican Party who would do a great job as speaker.”
“My sole focus is being president and, quite honestly, with actually making America great again,” Trump added. “Because we are living in a country in decline. This is a country that is failing badly. We’re not respected in the world, interest rates are through the roof, taxes are through the roof, inflation is horrible.”
House Republicans have been mentioning Trump’s name for house speaker ever since the party took control of the chamber in the 2022 midterm elections.
GOP lawmakers, including Reps. Troy Nehls of Texas, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, and Greg Steube of Florida said they would support a Trump speakership.
“President Trump, the greatest president of my lifetime, has a proven record of putting America first and will make the House great again,” Nehls said.
Steube wrote in an X-post, “@realDonaldTrump for Speaker.”
While Greene noted on social media that Trump is the “only candidate for Speaker I am currently supporting.”
“We can make him Speaker and then elect him President,” Greene said.
Donald Trump Just Posted This on Truth Social! Do You Support @realDonaldTrump Becoming Speaker of The House? pic.twitter.com/UdiqlvbQX3
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) October 4, 2023
