According to a source familiar with the discussions, there are reports that former President Donald Trump is contemplating a visit to Capitol Hill to address Republicans as they consider a new speaker. It should be noted that no definitive choices have been made yet and Trump has a number of campaign commitments in the upcoming week.
In the past few days, GOP lawmakers have approached Trump with the proposal of him potentially taking on the role of speaker, possibly on a temporary basis. The source revealed that Trump has shown interest in the concept and finds it intriguing.
However, two sources close to Trump have revealed that although he is pleased and grateful that people have mentioned his name for the position, he is not considering the idea seriously. They clarified that Trump's primary focus is on his presidential campaign, and his apparent interest in the speaker role is merely a way for him to enjoy the attention.
Many individuals have contacted me regarding the speaker. Regarding this matter, I can only express that we will take actions that prioritize the welfare of the country and the Republican Party," Trump shared with reporters during a recess from his civil fraud trial outside the courthouse in lower Manhattan on Wednesday.
The talks regarding Trump's possible visit to the Capitol, initially disclosed by The Messenger, coincide with a state of inertia in the House due to the absence of a speaker.
Washington, DC - September 30, 2023: As sunrise illuminates the US Capitol, the looming possibility of a government shutdown intensifies. If the House fails to reach a last-minute budget deal by midnight, the nation will plunge into uncertainty.
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House speaker chaos: What is going on? Will it affect you?
Next Tuesday, Republicans will listen to speaker candidates at a forum, paving the way for a potential vote on the House-wide speaker position on Wednesday, October 11. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan from Ohio have already declared their candidacies, and it is possible that additional contenders may join the race. However, it is uncertain if the conference will be able to unite around a suitable replacement for McCarthy. Republican Representatives Troy Nehls from Texas and Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia have publicly expressed their support for Trump in this role.
Rep. Mike Lawler, a GOP newcomer from a battleground district in New York, believes that Trump should not be involved in the speakers race. When asked by CNN's Jim Sciutto if he would like the former president to visit the Capitol, Lawler responded, "I believe the next speaker should be a current member of Congress, and I think these deliberations should take place among the members themselves."
Trump announced that he is willing to do whatever it takes to assist with the Speaker of the House selection process after McCarthy was removed from the position. Despite facing challenges from the Democratic Party, Trump stated that he is leading the Republicans by a significant margin in the presidential race against Joe Biden. Nonetheless, Trump is committed to supporting the interim selection of a Republican Speaker until a final choice is made, emphasizing the importance of having someone who can aid him, an experienced President, in restoring America's greatness. Trump made these remarks on his social media platform, Truth Social.