Former President Donald Trump has weighed in on his nomination by House Republicans for the position of Speaker of the House following the ousting of California Representative Kevin McCarthy from the seat on Tuesday.
When asked about whether he would accept the nomination, Trump responded, “All I can say is we’ll do whatever’s best for the country and for the Republican Party.”
Pressed by reporters on whether he would actually take on the role, he remarked, “A lot of people have asked me about it,” while emphasizing his primary focus on the 2024 presidential election where he currently holds a significant lead among Republican candidates. “If I can help them during the process, I would do it,” Trump added.
While acknowledging other capable Republicans for the role, Trump maintained his focus on the presidential race, stating, “I’m running for President … but whatever I can do to help with regard to the Speaker.”
Reporter asks Trump if he would become a House Speaker: "All I can say is we'll do whatever's best for the country and for the Republican Party." pic.twitter.com/Uxj9xFhdoy
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) October 4, 2023
One of Trump’s nominations came from Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch Trump supporter who opposed McCarthy’s removal. Greene outlined several policy goals, including ending the conflict in Ukraine, securing the nation’s southern border, and addressing what she termed “politically weaponized government.” Additionally, Greene’s proposal aimed at ending medical sex changes for minors and preventing biological men from participating in women’s sports was highlighted.
Trump received another nomination from Texas Representative Troy Nehls.
Meanwhile, House Republicans Jim Jordan of Ohio and Majority Leader Steve Scalise have officially announced their bids for the Speakership. Jordan, in a letter to House Republicans, emphasized the need for unity within the party to fulfill promises to the American people.
“I respectfully ask for your support for Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Jordan wrote.
Scalise also highlighted his leadership style and ability to bridge diverse viewpoints within the Republican Conference in his bid for Speaker.
Following the historic vote to vacate the Speaker’s office, Kevin McCarthy announced he would not seek the position again, becoming the first Speaker in U.S. history to be removed from the seat.
It is with a strong sense of responsibility and purpose that I seek the House Republican Conference’s nomination for Speaker of the House.
Read my letter to my colleagues: pic.twitter.com/G6YDd2SjCD
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) October 4, 2023
“Unfortunately, 4% of our conference can join all the Democrats and dictate who can be the Republican Speaker in this House,” McCarthy lamented, vowing to continue the fight in a different capacity. “I will not run for Speaker again. I’ll have the conference pick somebody else.”
The Republican Party is now at a critical juncture as it navigates leadership changes and prepares for the upcoming presidential race in 2024.
