Former President Donald Trump is “unlikely” to go to Capitol Hill Tuesday to discuss the election of a new speaker of the House with congressional Republicans — changing his previous intention to do so, a source familiar with the matter has told The Post.
On Thursday, Trump told Fox News Digital he wanted to travel to Washington to be with GOP House members as they deliberate over who will replace Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
McCarthy was ousted from the speakership Oct. 3 after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) successfully pitched a motion to vacate the chair.
Trump had also claimed last week he was fielding calls from “a lot of people about speaker,” but that he would “do whatever is best for the country and the Republican Party.”
Trump, 77, also told Fox News Digital that he would be willing to serve as speaker of the House for a short time “if necessary.”
“I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress,” Trump said. “If they don’t get the vote, they have asked me if I would consider taking the speakership until they get somebody longer-term because I am running for president.”
Under current rules, Trump is ineligible to become speaker due to a prohibition barring anyone who faces federal indictments with a penalty of more than two years in prison from being part of Republican leadership.
Two GOP lawmakers, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Steve Scalise of Louisiana, have tossed their hat into the ring to replace McCarthy.
Trump endorsed Jordan for the position on Friday, calling the House Judiciary Committee chairman a “star” who is “respected by all.”
The House is expected to convene Wednesday to hold an election for speaker, which must be accomplished before any other business can take place.
McCarthy said Monday he would not be opposed to returning as speaker if neither Jordan or Scalise can muster enough support, but added that he’s going to “allow the conference to do their work.”