Former President Donald Trump is “unlikely” to go to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to discuss the selection of a new House speaker with congressional Republicans – reversing his previous intention to do so, a source familiar with the matter told The Post.
On Thursday, Trump told Fox News Digital he wants to travel to Washington to be with GOP House members as they discuss who will replace Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
McCarthy was removed from the speakership on October 3 after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) successfully introduced a motion to vacate the seat.
Trump also claimed last week that he fielded calls from “a lot of people about the speaker,” but that he would “do whatever is best for the country and the Republican Party.”
Trump, 77, also told Fox News Digital that he would be willing to serve as speaker of the House for a short time “if necessary.”
The race is on to see who will replace McCarthy, with Republicans meeting for a conference Tuesday. AFP via Getty Images Trump previously said he would consider holding the position for a short time.AP
“I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have many friends in Congress,” Trump said. “If they don’t get the vote, they’ve asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get someone for a longer term because I’m running for president.”
Under current rules, Trump is ineligible to be a speaker because of a ban that prohibits anyone facing federal charges with a prison sentence of more than two years from being part of the Republican leadership.
Two GOP lawmakers, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Steve Scalise of Louisiana, have thrown their hats in the ring to replace McCarthy.
Trump endorsed Jordan for the post on Friday, calling the House Judiciary Committee chairman a “star” who is “respected by all.”
The former president will only assume the position “if necessary,” he said.CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The House is expected to convene on Wednesday to hold the election of the speaker, which must be completed before any other business can be conducted.
McCarthy said Monday he would not be opposed to returning as speaker if Jordan or Scalise cannot muster enough support, but added that he would “let the conference do their job.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
