As the U.S. House of Representatives continues to decide on who will lead its 435 members, different names have been thrown around in the nation’s capital as possible successors to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
So far, the process has been total chaos.
Rep.-elect Byron Donalds (R-FL) surprisingly received a nomination for the Speakership from Rep.-elect Chip Roy (R-TX).
As expected, Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) received a majority of the votes, but not the 218 needed to become Speaker.
However, it was Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz (R-FL) who nominated arguably the biggest name in American politics.
Yesterday, Gaetz nominated former President Donald Trump (R).
My vote for Speaker of the House today?
Donald John Trump. pic.twitter.com/ajFdcHVPM5
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 5, 2023
“My vote for Speaker of the House today? Donald John Trump,” tweeted Gaetz.
Gaetz is part of the 20 Republicans that are dedicated to keeping the speakership out of Leader McCarthy’s reach.
Moreover, in order to become Speaker of the House, it is not required that you are an elected lawmaker, a notable name, or even and legislative staffer.
Any American citizen can become Speaker.
I’m formally nominating President Donald J. Trump for Speaker of the House.
Make the House of Representatives Great Again! pic.twitter.com/HZJ4Mqc1bi
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 5, 2023
“And so I nominate President Trump because we must make our country great again and he can start by making the House of Representatives great again,” stated Rep. Gaetz.
Granted, Trump’s nomination by Gaetz is strictly ceremonial. No one believes that the former President has any shot at leading the lower chamber in 2022.
However, if Republicans cannot form a coalition around McCarthy, he’ll either have to step down and make the GOP rally around someone else or continue to instigate the country’s largest staring contest between the establishment candidate and the more conservative portions of the House.
Should McCarthy continuous to lose vote after vote on the House floor? Could an outsider like former President Trump be elected Speaker?
It is not probable, but it is possible.
