Former President Donald Trump is “unlikely” to go to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to discuss the election 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 that he wanted to travel to Washington to be with GOP House members as they deliberated over who will replace Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
McCarthy was ousted from the chair on October 3 after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) successfully filed a motion to vacate the chair.
Trump had also stated last week that he was receiving calls from “a lot of people about the speaker,” but that he would “do what is best for the country and the Republican Party.”
Trump, 77, also told Fox News Digital that he would be willing to serve as House speaker for a short time “if necessary.”
The race to see who will replace McCarthy is on, and Republican members will meet for a conference on Tuesday. AFP via Getty Images Trump previously said he would consider serving in the role for a short time.
“I was asked to speak as a unifier because I have many friends in Congress,” Trump said. “If they don’t get the vote, I’ve been asked if I would consider taking on the presidency until they get someone long-term because I’m running for president.”
Under current rules, Trump is ineligible to become president because of a ban that prohibits anyone facing federal charges carrying a sentence of more than two years in prison from serving in the Republican leadership.
Two Republican lawmakers, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Steve Scalise of Louisiana, threw their hats in the ring to replace McCarthy.
Trump endorsed Jordan for the job on Friday, calling the House Judiciary Committee chairman a “star” “respected by everyone.”
The former president would only take office “if necessary,” he says.CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The House is expected to meet Wednesday to hold an election to elect president, which must be held before any other business can be taken up.
McCarthy said Monday that he would not be opposed to returning as speaker if neither Jordan nor Scalise can muster enough support, but added that he will “allow the conference to do its job.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn