In an interview with Fox News Digital, former President Donald Trump stated that he would be willing to take on a temporary position as Speaker of the House of Representatives to act as a “unifying force” for the Republican Party while lawmakers deliberate on a permanent successor.
The removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from the position of House Speaker on Tuesday followed the introduction of a motion to vacate by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. Gaetz accused McCarthy of failing to fulfill the promises he made to secure the speakership in January.
“I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “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.”
“They have inquired whether I would consider taking the role for a brief period, solely for the benefit of the party, until they reach a decision—I am not pursuing this out of personal desire. I would step in if necessary, in the event they face difficulties in making their choice,” Trump explained.
Although Trump did not disclose the identities of those who approached him, several GOP lawmakers have expressed their preference for him as the Speaker.
Following McCarthy’s removal, both House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., have declared their candidacy for the position of Speaker.
Trump emphasized that if the Republicans fail to reach a consensus, he would consider serving as Speaker for a short duration, such as “30, 60, or 90 days,” with the sole aim of supporting the party. He underscored that his primary focus remains his presidential campaign.
In January, during the House’s deliberation on the Speaker’s role after the Republican majority, Rep. Gaetz chose not to vote for McCarthy or Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, who was a potential candidate, but instead cast his vote for Trump. When Gaetz’s name was called during the seventh round of voting, he responded by saying, “Donald John Trump.”
Trump also revealed that he plans to visit Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and intends to be on Capitol Hill to converse with members of the House Republican Conference as they deliberate on their choice for the next Speaker. However, he did not provide any specific endorsement for a Speaker candidate.
A source familiar with the matter disclosed to Fox News Digital that Trump has a close relationship with Jordan and a positive rapport with Scalise.
Currently, Trump maintains a substantial lead in the 2024 Republican presidential primary field. According to the most recent Fox News poll, 60% of Republican primary voters support Trump for the GOP nomination, up from 53% in the previous survey conducted in August.
Other candidates receiving double-digit support in the poll include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 13% and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy at 11%. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley holds 5% support, with former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott each polling at 3%. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has a 2% rating, while the remaining GOP candidates have less than 1% support.
