Former President Trump on Friday called a proposal that he run for the House in 2022 to try to win the Speaker’s gavel “interesting,” though the chances of him actually doing so remain low.
Trump was asked about the proposal by far-right radio host Wayne Allyn Root on Friday after Steve Bannon, a former adviser to the ex-president, floated the idea.
“That’s so interesting,” Trump said.
“Yeah, you know it’s very interesting,” Trump added, saying that others had suggested he run for Senate. “But you know what, your idea might be better. It’s very interesting.”
Trump has floated a potential comeback bid for the White House in 2024 since leaving office earlier this year, though speculation over a congressional campaign and an opportunity to lead the House has not gained significant traction.
Still, the proposal underscores the eagerness many in the GOP have for Trump to make some kind of return to politics.
The logistics of a House run would be complicated for Trump, who would have to figure out what district to run in after the redistricting process is completed. The former president has thus far been mainly interested in endorsing congressional candidates rather than becoming one, and he is expected to resume his signature rallies this summer.
While every Speaker in U.S. history has been a member of the lower chamber, the Constitution does not stipulate that to be a requirement to lead the House.
GOP polling shows that he’d be in a strong position to win the party’s presidential nomination in 2024, and Trump in a statement rebuking Facebook’s decision to ban him from the platform for two years hinted that he could run for another term in the White House.
“Next time I’m in the White House there will be no more dinners, at his request, with Mark Zuckerberg and his wife. It will all be business!” Trump said.
Updated on June 5 at 3:39 p.m.