As some GOP lawmakers are considering former President Donald Trump as the potential next Speaker of the House, there are individuals within the party who disagree. This idea has ignited a fierce exchange of words between Sen. Chuck Schumer (R-NY) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on the social media platform X.
Greene enthusiastically expressed her support for Trump’s possible speakership, stating that it would transform the House into what she described as “the House of MAGA.”
“If Trump becomes Speaker of the House, the House chamber will be like a Trump rally everyday!!” she stated.
If Trump becomes Speaker of the House, the House chamber will be like a Trump rally everyday!!
It would be the House of MAGA!!!
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) October 5, 2023
However, Schumer, in a pointed response, rejected the notion, quipping, “No thanks, we’re good. We’ve seen a Trump rally at the Capitol already.” Schumer’s comment was a clear reference to the Jan. 6, 2021 protests which resulted in accusations of inciting violence against Trump.
No thanks, we’re good. We’ve seen a Trump rally at the Capitol already. https://t.co/c7N2yN0GyX
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) October 5, 2023
This suggestion of Trump as Speaker emerged shortly after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from his position in a move led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).
Trump entered the discussion when Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) announced his intention to nominate the former president for Speaker of the House. “President Trump, the greatest President of my lifetime, has a proven record of putting America First and will make the House great again,” he stated.
Historically, the Speaker of the House has always been a sitting member of Congress. Hence, Trump’s nomination would break this tradition. Nevertheless, some staunch Trump supporters within the GOP are willing to consider this unconventional move as there is no rule that states that the speaker has to be a member of Congress.
This is not the first time Trump’s name has been floated for the speakership. In a previous vote for Speaker, Rep. Gaetz cast his ballot for Trump, even though the former President was not officially on the ballot.
While several Republicans support the idea of Trump as the new speaker, he has said he is not interested in the position as the search for a new speaker coincides with his run for president and his focus is on his candidacy. However, the former president hasn’t ruled out the possibility of temporarily assuming the role if it serves the interests of the Republican party.
Speaking to reports in New York on Wednesday, he stated, “I’ll do whatever it is to help, but my focus, my total focus, is being president and quite honestly, making America great again.”
As the Republican party grapples with this unconventional proposal, other candidates have also thrown their hats into the ring. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) have announced their bids for the speakership. Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern (R-OK) has also voiced intention to join the fray.
Jordan is open to the idea of Trump taking up the role, however, he pointed out that the former president would be best as president.
Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity, he said, “He’d be great, but actually I want Donald Trump to be the next President of the United States. But if he wants to be Speaker, great. That’s where we need him, at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue [the White House], but if he wants to be Speaker, that’s fine too.”
If this is not a cult, I don't know what is.
Jim Jordan on Trump:
“I want him to be president of the United States…but if he wants to be speaker then that’s fine too.” pic.twitter.com/UgyB5E1tvz
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) October 4, 2023
