WASHINGTON — In a surprising turn of events, several House Republicans are expressing their desire to have former President Donald Trump take on the role of the Speaker of the House. However, there is a major obstacle standing in their way – the Republican Party’s own rules prohibit anyone under criminal indictment for a felony from holding a position in party leadership.
Despite this hurdle, Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Troy Nehls, and Greg Steube have publicly voiced their support for Trump to become Speaker. There are even reports suggesting that Trump may be planning a visit to the Capitol next week, just before the election for the top House job.
The House has been without a leader since Representative Matt Gaetz triggered a vote of no confidence that resulted in the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy from the speakership after a mere nine months. So far, Representatives Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise have announced their bids to succeed McCarthy. However, Trump may face resistance from moderate Republicans who are unlikely to vote for him. Representative Mike Lawler, for instance, expressed strong disapproval when asked about the possibility of a Speaker Trump.
Trump’s potential visit to Capitol Hill during the process of selecting McCarthy’s replacement raises questions about its purpose. It remains unclear whether it would be a pep talk to rally support or if he is considering a bid for the role himself. When asked about his interest in becoming Speaker, Trump stated that he has been approached by people but his primary focus is on regaining the presidency.
However, even if Trump were interested in the speakership, House GOP rules would prevent him from assuming the position due to his ongoing legal troubles. Under Rule 26(a), anyone under indictment for a felony with a potential sentence of two or more years imprisonment is required to step aside from party leadership roles. Trump currently faces four separate indictments with a total of 91 felony charges, posing a significant obstacle to his aspirations. Although indicted members can be waived from committee roles by a majority vote, the leadership positions remain off-limits.
The last time a member of House party leadership faced indictment was in 2005 when Tom DeLay left his post as Majority Leader. Ultimately, DeLay was convicted on money laundering charges but the verdict was overturned in 2013.
As of now, it is uncertain whether Trump intends to visit the Capitol next week. Requests for confirmation from Trump’s spokesperson and Capitol Hill offices have been unanswered. In the past, Trump’s Secret Service detail prevented him from visiting the Capitol in January 2021 during the riots that he sparked in his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Democrats are less than thrilled about the prospect of Trump returning to the scene, viewing it as a reminder of the chaos that unfolded.
In conclusion, while some House Republicans may be eager to see Trump as the Speaker of the House, party rules and legal challenges stand in their way. Trump’s potential visit to the Capitol adds a layer of intrigue, but its purpose and confirmation remain uncertain.
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