WASHINGTON, D.C.: The race to replace the ousted Republican speaker of the United States House of Representatives intensifies this week amid questions over whether anyone is capable of unifying the chaotic conservative party's warring factions.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California was ousted last week in a stunning mutiny orchestrated by the far right, leaving efforts to avert a looming government shutdown in a tailspin. It also raised serious questions over continuing US aid to war-torn Ukraine and, more immediately, over Congress' ability to respond quickly to a crisis like the attack on Israel over the weekend.The House of Representatives is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 4, 2023.
According to House rules, the speaker does not have to be a member of the chamber, and Trump, who is running for president, has said he would consider taking the gavel for a '30, 60 or 90-day period.' No broad supportHis offer is not seen as a serious possibility, however, and there has been no broad show of support from Republicans for the ex-reality television star — who is facing multiple criminal prosecutions — to take the helm, even temporarily.