Representative Troy Nehls, a Republican from Texas, has voiced his intent to nominate former President Donald Trump for the role of Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Nehls’ suggestion follows the recent removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy after the fiercely pro-Trump Florida Republican Matt Gaetz employed a rarely used procedural tool on Monday. It came after he accused Mccarthy of striking a backroom deal with the White House to continue U.S. funding to Ukraine — an allegation McCarthy vehemently denies.
“The Greatest President of My Lifetime”
Nehls passionately stated, “This week, when the US House of Representatives reconvenes, my first order of business will be to nominate Donald J Trump for speaker of the US House of Representatives. President Trump, the greatest president of my lifetime, has a proven record of putting America first and will make the House great again.”
This nomination showcases the enduring influence and impact that Trump still holds within the Republican party.
Holding the speaker post does not require congressional membership, and Trump’s name already came up during the January right-wing challenge to McCarthy’s position. In a surprising turn, Nehls, who did not participate in the move to oust McCarthy, expressed his backing for Trump as the Speaker. Another Congressman, Greg Steube of Florida, also voiced his support for Trump for this role.
Trump’s Republican Primary Lead
Despite facing numerous legal challenges, including a New York fraud trial and a defamation trial related to a rape allegation, Trump has consistently polled as the frontrunner in the ongoing Republican presidential primary.
Sean Hannity, a prominent Fox News host known for his close ties to the former president, revealed that “some House Republicans” have initiated efforts to draft Trump as the speaker. Although Trump has previously indicated a lack of interest in this role, Hannity suggested that Trump might consider the position temporarily to assist the Republican Party while still pursuing the presidency. Meanwhile, Trump continues to reject claims he was behind Gaetz’ campaign against McCarthy.
Challenges and Skepticism
However, this audacious proposal faces significant challenges. House ethics rules and Republican leadership rules present obstacles that would deter Trump from accepting the role. These regulations outline requirements for the position and mandate stepping aside if indicted for certain felonies.
In light of these factors, skepticism regarding the likelihood of Trump accepting the Speaker role persists among political observers. Despite Nehls’ nomination announcement, many believe this proposal remains improbable given the existing rules and Trump’s ambitions for the presidency.
What the Experts Told Us
Adam Bruton, a Senior Researcher at the London-based intelligence firm Winter Circle Ltd, told 19FortyFive that there were less than a handful of “realistic” candidates to replace McCarthy.
“Jim Jordan is by far the best choice. He was floated as a possible alternative to McCarthy back in January, and is reliably backed by Gaetz’s rebels. He is equally still establishment enough that rank and file republicans will also back him.
“Pat McHenry, the current Speaker pro tempore, could be a good compromise candidate due to being mostly inoffensive. He’s a total nobody, which can be useful with the big personalities in DC. Plus he has establishment chops from his work w President George Bush Jr.”
He continued: “Then there’s Nancy Mace. This would be a real wildcard bid, but she has a lot going for her. She voted for McCarthy to go, but otherwise has a heterodox political record. She’s moderate on social issues, by Republican standards, and is generally seen as a fun, if a little kooky, media performer. She is also relatively young, which for a party as pale, male, and stale as the House GOP, could be an asset. She also might attract a modicum of democrat support in important house votes.”
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
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