If former President Donald Trump decides to take up the role of Republican House Speaker, a House rule could get in the way.
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s ouster this week has given rise to speculation on who will be his replacement, one of which involves the possibility of Trump taking over.
However, according to The Hill, a little-known House rule could prevent Trump from being Speaker.
When Republicans took the House, they approved a set of rules.
One of these House rules is titled “Temporary Step Aside of a Member of Leadership who is Indicted,” or Rule 26.
“A member of the Republican Leadership shall step aside if indicted for a felony for which a sentence of two or more years imprisonment may be imposed,” the rule said.
“If a member of the Republican Elected Leadership is indicted, the Republican Conference shall meet and elect a Member to temporarily serve in that position,” the rule said, noting that if acquitted or convicted of something less than a felony, the member could be eligible to resume their position.
Trump has been indicted on 91 felony charges, two of which are federal, one is in New York, and one is in Georgia.
The Hill said there is no prohibition against changing that rule, but it would not be likely.
Whether this House rule would affect Trump remains to be seen.
Trump has hinted he would be happy to take the role of Speaker, but his messaging has been somewhat cryptic.
“No, I think that it’s not something I wanted,” Trump said in a March 2022 interview.
“A lot of people bring it up. It’s brought up all the time.”
“No, it’s not something I want to do,” the former president said.
“I want to look at what’s happening, and then we’re going to be doing something else.”
“No, it’s not something I would be interested in.”
In a post on Truth Social this week, Trump indicated he might serve as a stopgap speaker.
“I am running for President, have a 62 Point lead over Republicans, and am up on Crooked Joe Biden, despite the Democrat Party’sParty’s massive Law-fare, Weaponization, and Election Interference efforts, by 4 to 11 Points, but will do whatever is necessary to help with the Speaker of the House selection process, short term, until the final selection of a GREAT REPUBLICAN SPEAKER is made – A Speaker who will help a new, but highly experienced President, ME, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he said.
Trump also shared an image of himself holding the Speaker’s gavel.
However, the former president refused to rule out anything.
“A lot of people have been calling me about the speaker,” he said outside a New York City courtroom this week.
“All I can say is we will do whatever is best for the country and other Republican Party and people,” he said.
Meanwhile, a growing number of Republicans and political pundits are declaring support for Trump as Speaker.
War Room host Steve Bannon said a move to elect Trump as Speaker would “bring this party together.”
Infowars’ Alex Jones said, “Donald Trump should be nominated as a litmus test on these Republicans.”
“With all the fake charges and all the fake trials, how awesome would it be to make Donald Trump Speaker of the House?” Jones added.
Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani also called for Trump to become Speaker in a post on X:
“President Donald Trump for Speaker of the House?” he wrote.
President Donald Trump for Speaker of the House? https://t.co/ZAvYsRFxj7
— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) October 4, 2023
Greene took to X hours after McCarthy’s ouster, declaring her support for Donald Trump as Speaker of the House.
The only candidate for Speaker I am currently supporting is President Donald J. Trump.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) October 4, 2023
He will end the war in Ukraine.
He will secure the border.
He will end the politically weaponized government.
He will make America energy independent again.
He will pass my bill to stop…
