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https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/05/trump-says-hell-travel-to-d-c-next-week-as-house-decides-on-new-speaker/71074434007/
WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump said Thursday he would accept the speaker of the House job on a short-term basis if Republicans deadlock selecting a new one.
If House Republicans can't reach consensus on a candidate to replace the deposed Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. , "they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president," Trump told Fox News Digital.
He added: "They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion - I’m not doing it because I want to - I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision."
The former president also told Fox News Digital that he will travel to Washington, D.C., next week and plans to meet the congressional Republicans about picking a new speaker of the House.
Earlier this week, Trump downplayed the idea of running for the speaker's job, saying his "total focus" is on the 2024 presidential race. He also said he would do whatever he can to help the Republicans come together after eight party members this week forced the removal of McCarthy.
"If I can help them during the process, I would do it," Trump said, a comment that a few House Republicans cited in urging him to seek the job anyway.
"I’ve been contacted by multiple Members of Congress willing to support and offer nomination speeches for Donald J. Trump to be Speaker of the House," said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Tex., on the social media site X. "Next week is going to be HUGE."
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who is vying to be Trump's running mate if he wins the GOP presidential nomination next year, said Thursday on X that "if Trump becomes Speaker of the House, the House chamber will be like a Trump rally everyday!! It would be the House of MAGA!!!"
WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump said Thursday he would accept the speaker of the House job on a short-term basis if Republicans deadlock selecting a new one.
If House Republicans can't reach consensus on a candidate to replace the deposed Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. , "they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term, because I am running for president," Trump told Fox News Digital.
He added: "They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion - I’m not doing it because I want to - I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision."
The former president also told Fox News Digital that he will travel to Washington, D.C., next week and plans to meet the congressional Republicans about picking a new speaker of the House.
Earlier this week, Trump downplayed the idea of running for the speaker's job, saying his "total focus" is on the 2024 presidential race. He also said he would do whatever he can to help the Republicans come together after eight party members this week forced the removal of McCarthy.
"If I can help them during the process, I would do it," Trump said, a comment that a few House Republicans cited in urging him to seek the job anyway.
"I’ve been contacted by multiple Members of Congress willing to support and offer nomination speeches for Donald J. Trump to be Speaker of the House," said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Tex., on the social media site X. "Next week is going to be HUGE."
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who is vying to be Trump's running mate if he wins the GOP presidential nomination next year, said Thursday on X that "if Trump becomes Speaker of the House, the House chamber will be like a Trump rally everyday!! It would be the House of MAGA!!!"
