Former President Donald Trump hinted to reporters on Wednesday that he would be interested in becoming House speaker following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday.
Reporters questioned Trump, the front-runner in the Republican nomination for president in 2024, about replacing McCarthy outside the Manhattan location of the New York State Supreme Court, where the latter is on trial for civil fraud.
“A lot of people have been calling me about becoming speaker. All I can say is we’ll do whatever’s best for the country and for the Republican Party.” Trump announced.
JUST IN: Donald Trump confirms from the New York courthouse that he has been asked about becoming the House Speaker, says he would do it.
That would be epic 🔥
“All I can say is we'll do whatever's best for the country and for the Republican Party.”
“A lot of people have asked… pic.twitter.com/fx3AKlhS17
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 4, 2023
McCarthy’s removal as speaker, which he had been doing since January, was approved by the House on Tuesday by a vote of 216-210. Eight Republicans, including Gaetz, Andy Biggs (Arizona), Ken Buck (Colorado), Eli Crane (Arizona), Bob Good (Virginia), Matt Rosendale (Montana), Tim Burchett (Tennessee), and Nancy Mace (South Carolina), united with Democrats to vote against McCarthy.
As lawmakers debate who will run for the gavel, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) was appointed as acting speaker. The winning margin will be a simple majority.
Reps. Troy Nehls of Texas, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, and Greg Steube of Florida are among the GOP representatives who declared they would support Trump becoming speaker.
[READ MORE: Gaetz Slams Interim Speaker for Sending Lawmakers Home for a Week]
