Some Republicans suggest that Donald Trump consider the recently vacated House speaker position. However, the former president’s primary focus remains a return to the presidency.
“Numerous individuals have approached me regarding the speakership, but my commitment is to the country and the Republican Party’s best interests,” Trump commented on Wednesday from a Manhattan courthouse where he is on the third day of a civil fraud trial. Trump, his adult sons, and his business entities face potential penalties of up to $250 million due to allegations of sustained business fraud by New York officials.
During the trial, Trump took a moment to address reporters about potentially pursuing the speakership.
“The presidency is my sole concentration. If I can assist in the interim, I’m all for it. The Republican Party boasts several capable individuals for the speaker role,” stated Trump.
Following Kevin McCarthy’s recent departure from the speaker position, at least three House Republicans have publicly advocated for Trump to succeed him. McCarthy has expressed no intention to reclaim the role, paving the way for Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan to announce their candidacies.
Notably, Trump, whose initial political endeavor was a presidential run, lacks experience in the legislative domain and has never shown interest in the speaker’s position. All House speakers have historically been Congress members, although this is not a constitutional mandate.
Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) was the pioneer in floating the idea on X, previously known as Twitter. Soon after, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) endorsed the idea with a post: “@realDonaldTrump for Speaker.”
Furthermore, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) declared on X that Trump is her sole choice for the speaker role.
Nevertheless, Rep. Jim Jordan firmly believes that the presidency is a better fit for Trump.
“While he’d excel as a speaker, my hope is for Donald Trump to become the next U.S. president,” Ohio’s Jordan remarked on Fox’s “Hannity” Tuesday night. “If the speakership appeals to him, wonderful. However, I envision him as the nation’s president.”
