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Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville refers former CIA head Michael Hayden to Capitol Police

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Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., alerted Capitol Police on Tuesday to what he called a "politically motivated assassination" from former CIA and NSA Director Gen. Michael Hayden, with expectations the police will protect congressional members and bring "criminals to justice."

Earlier Tuesday, Hayden tweeted that he was, "surprised to wake up this morning and discover MAGAnuts had lost their minds over my suggestions that ‘Coach’ Tuberville not be considered a member of the human race."

The tweet was a direct response to comments he made the night before.

EX-CIA DIRECTOR SAYS TUBERVILLE SHOULD LEAVE ‘HUMAN RACE,’ TAUNTS ‘MAGANUTS’

When one social media platform X user asked if Tuberville should be removed from his committee, Hayden responded, "how about the human race?" The comment appeared to be in response to the senator’s decision to continue his hold on military nominations over the Pentagon’s abortion policy — which has left hundreds of leadership positions unfilled.

The policy pays for Department of Defense (DoD) personnel's out-of-state travel for reproductive services, including in-vitro fertilization and abortion.

A spokesperson for Tuberville told NBC News last weekend the senator had no intention of ending his hold amid the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel.

Hayden has called Tuberville out in previous social media posts, including one in September, when a social media user asked if it was "wrong" to call Tuberville a "racist."

FORMER CIA DIRECTOR HAYDEN AGREES WITH JOURNALIST TWEET LABELING REPUBLICANS 'DANGEROUS' AND 'NIHILISTIC'

"I have aphasia. Sometimes my meaning isn’t clear. What I meant to say is Tuberville absolutely is a racist. Or, in other words, it is not wrong to say he is a racist," Hayden replied.

Tuberville responded on social media to statements made by Haden most recently.

"This morning, my office was made aware of a statement made by General Michael Hayden calling for a politically motivated assassination. This statement is disgusting, and it is repugnant to everything we believe in as Americans," Tuberville said. "Given General Hayden’s long career in Washington, he must have known that, by making such a statement, he was committing a serious crime. His own efforts today to reinterpret what he said are only a tacit admission of guilt.

TUBERVILLE FORCES SCHUMER'S HAND IN MILITARY NOMINEE VOTES: 'HE BLINKED'

"If we still have a nonpolitical justice system in this country, then General Hayden will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. My office has reported this incident to the Capitol Police, and I expect that they will once again do an excellent job protecting members of Congress and bringing criminals to justice," he added.

Tuberville continued by saying he was not aware of any congressional Democrats who condemned Hayden’s statement, and that Democrats have "only continued to attack" him by name on Tuesday.

"Sadly, General Hayden is just the latest in a long line of Washington Leftists who have engaged in reckless rhetoric against me over the past few months," Tuberville wrote. "This must stop, and it must stop now."

TUBERVILLE SAYS HOUSE GOP MUST 'NOT WASTE TIME' WITH BIDEN IMPEACHMENT

Tuberville called Hayden out for presiding over "some of the biggest failures" in American intelligence history, linking him to intelligence flaws with the 9/11 attacks, and lack of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

He also said Hayden lied about Hunter Biden’s laptop so that Joe Biden could be elected as president.

"Both of these lies tore our country apart and did enormous damage to the fabric of our republic. General Hayden is in no position to criticize anyone as his credibility was completely destroyed long ago," Tuberville said. "I am a conservative and a Republican, but above all, I am an American who cares about this country and is deeply concerned for its future. I am not a politician, and when I came to Washington, I did not expect to be popular among the clown show; but I certainly did not expect to be lied about on the Senate floor and threatened by former government officials like Michael Hayden.

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"Anyone who actually cares about our country must go on the record and condemn his reckless statements," he added.

Trump will not visit Capitol Hill ahead of House speaker race: source

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Former President Trump will not visit Capitol Hill Tuesday to meet with congressional Republicans as they consider a next speaker of the House, a source familiar with the 2024 GOP front-runner's plans told Fox News Digital.

The former president told Fox News Digital last Thursday that he would visit Washington, D.C., and Capitol Hill to take part in a House Republican Conference as members considered who would become the next speaker of the House, following the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

A source familiar, though, told Fox News Digital on Monday that the president's plans had changed, and he will no longer visit Washington or Capitol Hill to take part in those discussions or the House GOP candidate forum set to begin Tuesday evening. 

Trump, early Friday morning, endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, to serve as House speaker.

TRUMP EXPECTED TO VISIT CAPITOL HILL NEXT WEEK AMID HOUSE SPEAKER RACE: SOURCES

Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is up against House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., for the role.

Meanwhile, Trump, last week, said he would accept a short-term role as speaker of the House of Representatives to serve as a "unifier" for the Republican Party until lawmakers reach a decision on who should take on the post.

McCarthy was removed as speaker of the House last Tuesday after Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., introduced a measure against him known as a motion to vacate, accusing him of breaking promises he made to win the speaker's gavel in January.

"I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress," Trump told Fox News Digital. "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." 

TRUMP WOULD ACCEPT HOUSE SPEAKERSHIP FOR A 'SHORT PERIOD' WHILE REPUBLICANS DECIDE ON A PERMANENT REPLACEMENT

"They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion – I’m not doing it because I want to – I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision," Trump said.

Trump did not specify who had asked him, although a number of GOP lawmakers have said he is their preference for speaker.

Trump stressed that if Republicans cannot come to a consensus, he would take the speakership for a short "30, 60 or 90-day period." 

"I would only do it for the party," he said, emphasizing that his focus is on his presidential campaign. 

Back in January, as the House considered who should become the speaker after Republicans took the majority in the chamber, Gaetz opted not to vote for McCarthy or Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, who was floated as an option, but voted instead for the former president.

When Gaetz’s name was called during the seventh round of voting, he responded: "Donald John Trump." 

Pelosi denies breaking promise to back McCarthy in speakership vote

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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Friday denied that she had promised to support her fellow Californian Rep. Kevin McCarthy as he was ousted as speaker.

"Kevin McCarthy says that you essentially broke a promise to him to keep Democrats with him if there was a vote against him. Is that not true?" FOX 11 Los Angeles anchor Elex Michaelson asked Pelosi in a recent interview. 

Shaking her head, Pelosi said she had never promised to help McCarthy, R-Calif., remain as speaker.

"Not really. I had no promise to him," Pelosi told FOX 11. "Our Democratic members made that decision." 

GOP LAWMAKERS DENY REVENGE PLAY AGAINST PELOSI WITH OFFICE EVICTIONS AFTER MCCARTHY OUSTER

McCarthy lost the speaker's gavel this week after a handful of hardliners in the Republican conference led by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., forced a vote to vacate the chair. Eight Republicans and every Democrat voted together to remove McCarthy as House speaker. 

At a press conference after the vote, McCarthy blamed Democrats for his ouster, arguing they should have voted against the motion to vacate the chair for institutional reasons.

McCarthy claimed to have had a discussion with Pelosi in the days leading up to the vote and told reporters she had promised to support him.

But Pelosi said Democrats had numerous reasons to vote to oust McCarthy, citing the Republican-led impeachment inquiry into President Biden and McCarthy's support for former President Donald Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. 

NANCY PELOSI EVICTED FROM HER PRIVATE OFFICE IN THE CAPITOL BY INTERIM HOUSE SPEAKER

"If you don’t respect the institution then don’t expect us to bail you out," she said.

McCarthy has since said he will not run for speaker again. On Friday, he denied reports that he will resign from Congress, saying, "I'm not resigning. I got a lot more work to do." 

McCarthy was succeeded by Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., a temporary replacement until the House votes on a permanent one next week. Among his first acts as speaker pro-tempore, McHenry evicted Pelosi from her private Capitol office in what was claimed to be an act of retaliation after McCarthy was ousted.

However, several GOP lawmakers told Fox News Digital that the evictions were not rooted in vengeance, but rather because the office is reserved for the immediately preceding speaker.

WHO IS PATRICK MCHENRY, SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE OF HOUSE FOLLOWING MCCARTHY'S OUSTER?

"This was a decision by Speaker Pelosi in getting removed because that is the office for the former speaker," Louisiana GOP Rep. Garret Graves told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

"She's no longer the immediately preceding speaker so that was a decision she made by evicting Kevin McCarthy," Graves continued. "That was her own decision."

House Freedom Caucus chairman Scott Perry, R-Pa., said the evictions were not done in revenge but that it seems to him "unfortunately that we have an unexpected recent vacancy in this with the speaker's office and that speaker that's been recently the speaker now has to have a place per the rules."

"So that [place] needs to be reoccupied or occupied by somebody different," Perry said. "That's just the that's just the flow of business here."

Fox News' Houston Keene contributed to this report.

White House mocks ‘dysfunction-engulfed House Republicans’ amid speaker battle

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The White House mocked "dysfunction-engulfed House Republicans" Friday as they work to select a new speaker of the House, while praising President Biden for focusing on the economy and the American people.

The House of Representatives, in a historic first on Tuesday, voted to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as speaker of the House, after Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., introduced a motion to vacate.

McCarthy’s removal came just days after a continuing resolution was agreed upon to continue funding the government, despite weeks of GOP infighting over Ukraine aid. The government was set to run out of funding on Sept. 30, but Congress managed to come to an agreement in the 11th hour.

TRUMP ENDORSES JIM JORDAN FOR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: 'COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT'

Now, the House Republican Conference is considering who should serve as the next House speaker, with Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., the top options.

Over at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, though, White House officials are mocking House Republicans for being unable to "get their act together." 

HOUSE REPUBLICANS MOVE 'FULL STEAM AHEAD' ON IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY EVEN AMID SPEAKER UNCERTAINTY

In a memo Friday, White House Deputy Press Secretary and Senior Communications Adviser Andrew Bates touted President Biden’s work in extending his "record of historic job gains powering the United States economy."

"But while the President leads by putting hardworking families first and growing our economy with solid and tested plans, House Republicans are threatening to raise costs and kill jobs as their conference devolves into chaotic bickering and they insist on radical MAGAnomics policies," Bates wrote.

"Less than one week ago, the House GOP attempted to singlehandedly shut down the American government unless they could make severe cuts to small businesses, manufacturing, law enforcement, and border security, while raising health care and housing costs," he wrote.

JORDAN GAINS SUPPORT FROM TOP REPUBLICANS FOR SPEAKER TO ‘UNITE’ MODERATES, CONSERVATIVES

Bates added: "When the government remained open, for the good of all Americans, they turned on each other and made the only chamber of Congress they control dysfunctional."

"Now, nearly a week since they unseated the Speaker of the House, congressional Republicans still can’t get their act together," he continued.

Bates warned that in the next government funding debate, Republicans could "again try to force painful cuts for the middle class onto the country, even though they support deficit-hiking tax welfare for rich special interests at the same time."

"This is a choice that boils down to economic growth and progress versus divisive infighting and losing out to countries like China," he wrote, while touting "Bidenomics" for "fulfilling the long-sought return of manufacturing to the United States — including in a multitude of red states — producing historic job growth, and lowering prescription drug and energy costs."

TRUMP WOULD ACCEPT HOUSE SPEAKERSHIP FOR A 'SHORT PERIOD' WHILE REPUBLICANS DECIDE ON A PERMANENT REPLACEMENT

"MAGAnomics represents dysfunction as House Republicans fall over each other and point fingers as they try to sell the middle class out to giant corporations and the wealthy," he wrote.

The Bates memo comes after White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday, following the vote to remove McCarthy, said President Biden hopes Republicans "quickly" elect a speaker. 

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"President Biden has demonstrated that he is always eager to work with both parties in Congress in good faith on behalf of the American people," she said. "Because the urgent challenges facing our nation will not wait, he hopes the House will quickly elect a speaker." 

She added: "Once the House has met their responsibility to elect a speaker, he looks forward to working together with them and with the Senate to address the American peoples’ priorities." 

On Tuesday, House Republicans are set to meet for a candidate forum, to consider their options. They are expected to vote on a House speaker on Wednesday. 

Trump endorses Jim Jordan for speaker of the House: ‘Complete & Total Endorsement’

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Former President Trump gave Rep. Jim Jordan his "complete & total endorsement" for speaker of the House, saying he is "respected by all."

"Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District.," Trump posted on his TRUTH Social overnight. "Respected by all, he is now Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee."

JORDAN GAINS SUPPORT FROM TOP REPUBLICANS FOR SPEAKER TO ‘UNITE’ MODERATES, CONSERVATIVES

"As President, I had the honor of presenting Jim with our Country’s highest civilian award, The Presidential Medal of Freedom," Trump continued. "So much is learned from sports, and Jim was a master!"

Trump, praising Jordan’s wrestling record, said that "while attending Graham High School, he won State Championships all four years, a rarity, and compiled an amazing 156-1 record. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jim became a two-time NCAA Division l Wrestling Champion."

"He won his 1985-86 NCAA Championship Matches in his weight class," Trump posted. "Jim has a masters degree in Education from Ohio State University & a Law Degree from Capital University."

He added: "He is STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment. Jim, his wife, Polly, & family are outstanding - He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!"

Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, announced his bid for speaker of the House on Wednesday after Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s historic ouster, following a successful motion to vacate.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., also announced his bid for speaker of the House.

Trump’s comments come just hours after he told Fox News Digital that if Republicans cannot rally enough support for Jordan or Scalise, he would accept the speakership himself for a "short period." 

TRUMP WOULD ACCEPT HOUSE SPEAKERSHIP FOR A 'SHORT PERIOD' WHILE REPUBLICANS DECIDE ON A PERMANENT REPLACEMENT

"I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress," Trump told Fox News Digital. "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." 

HOUSE REPUBLICANS MOVE 'FULL STEAM AHEAD' ON IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY EVEN AMID SPEAKER UNCERTAINTY

"They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion — I’m not doing it because I want to — I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision," Trump said.

Trump did not specify who had asked him, although a number of GOP lawmakers have said he is their preference for speaker.

Trump stressed that if Republicans cannot come to a consensus, he would take the speakership for a short "30, 60, or 90-day period." 

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"I would only do it for the party," he said, stressing that his focus is on his presidential campaign. 

Jordan has gained support across the Republican conference — including from top House committee chairmen.

"Jordan’s efforts have shown that he can unite moderates and conservatives across the conference to get the 218 votes needed to become speaker," a congressional source told Fox News Digital.

Republican investigations proceed despite House Speaker drama: ‘Keeping our foot on the gas’

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House Republicans' sprawling oversight investigations into the Biden administration are continuing apace despite the vote Tuesday to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which left the chamber's top office vacant.

Multiple House committees — which are conducting investigations on everything from President Biden's border policies and disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal to how his climate agenda may benefit China and his son Hunter's business dealings — are proceeding with their oversight, GOP lawmakers, staff and aides told Fox News Digital. The continuation of the House probes comes days after McCarthy was voted out in a stunning 216-210 vote.

"The House Committee on Homeland Security is going to continue our comprehensive oversight of Secretary Mayorkas’ dereliction of duty and the handling of his self-inflicted crisis at the Southwest border," Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., told Fox News Digital. "We are also keeping our foot on the gas with investigations into issues like DHS’s censorship of Americans and President Biden’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal."

"Functionally, very little has changed for our Committee — we are still planning hearings, gathering evidence, and conducting transcribed interviews with individuals closely connected to these important issues," he continued. "The American people sent us here to deal with these matters, and we’re going to keep doing so, and the political back-and-forth of Washington is not going to distract us from our objectives — getting answers, delivering accountability, and providing a voice for the American people who are fed up with the incompetence and extremism of the Biden administration."

REPUBLICANS PLAN OVERSIGHT INTO HOW BIDEN ADMIN'S GREEN PUSH BENEFITS CHINA: 'NOTHING IS OFF THE TABLE'

Under Green's leadership, the committee has pursued investigations into Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' "dereliction of duty" related to border security, the rising number of individuals with terrorist ties illegally crossing the southern border, and the Biden administration’s vetting of Afghan citizens relocated to the U.S. after the August 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The Homeland Security Committee has also pursued joint investigations into Mayorkas, and the Department of Homeland Security and its subagencies including Customs and Border Protection with the House Select Committee on China and House Oversight and Accountability Committee.

"The House Oversight Committee’s work continues," an Oversight Committee spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "The Committee is continuing to review documents, records, and communications and will take further action in the coming days."

WHAT DOES MCCARTHY'S REMOVAL MEAN FOR BIDEN INVESTIGATIONS, DAILY FUNCTIONING OF THE HOUSE? EXPERTS WEIGH IN

The Oversight Committee has taken the lead on a wide range of investigations into various Biden administration programs and actions. The panel, which has broad investigative powers, has coordinated joint investigations with other committees into the administration over, for example, its border policies, its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and an incident where police were called on Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm's staff during an electric vehicle road trip.

The panel has also led the House's investigations into the Biden family with a particular focus on the president's son who has previously engaged in various foreign business dealings. Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer opened an impeachment inquiry against Biden last month as part of that investigation.

"Since assuming our Republican majority in January, the House Oversight and Accountability Committee has uncovered a mountain of evidence revealing how Joe Biden abused his public office for his family’s financial gain," Comer remarked during a Sept. 28 impeachment inquiry hearing. 

"The American people demand accountability for this culture of corruption," he continued. "They demand to know how these schemes have compromised President Biden and threaten our national security."

LEGAL EXPERTS DIVIDED OVER BIDEN IMPEACHMENT CASE BUT AGREE ON ONE POINT

In addition, the House Natural Resources Committee has taken the lead on oversight into the Biden administration's efforts to curb federal land uses for energy development. The committee has also pursued investigations into the relationship between environmental groups with significant White House influence and foreign donors.

"We are continuing with our normal operations here on committee," Natural Resources Committee spokesperson Rebekah Hoshiko told Fox News Digital. "No House proceedings have changed the fact that the Biden administration’s failed policies are actively harming American families, and they need to be held accountable. Lots more to come in our oversight efforts."

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has opened wide-ranging probes into both health and energy policies pursued by the Biden administration.

For example, the committee is conducting oversight into federal laboratory biosafety practices and the handling of dangerous pathogens in bioresearch, the National Institutes of Health’s effectiveness in overseeing grant funding, and how the aggressive push to adopt electric vehicles may benefit Chinese industry.

Recently, the committee announced a probe into U.S. automaker Ford Motor Company over its partnership with Chinese battery firm Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL). Weeks after the announcement, Ford put the project on hold and said it wasn't committed to the investment.

OVERSIGHT REPUBLICANS PROBE BIDEN ADMIN'S 'BAIT-AND-SWITCH' CRACKDOWN ON FOSSIL FUEL POWER PLANTS

"From surging gas prices to the crisis at the southern border, the American people deserve accountability from the Biden administration for making their lives worse," a GOP Energy and Commerce Committee aide told Fox News Digital. "Our oversight work is continuing."

The motion to vacate the speaker was filed late Monday by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and joined by seven fellow Republicans and every House Democrat. Following the vote Tuesday, McCarthy, who served for just 269 days, said he wouldn't run for speaker again.

Reps. Steve Scalise, R-La., the House majority leader; Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee; Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the House majority whip; Mike Johnson, R-La., Jodey Arrington, R-Texas; and Kevin Hern, R-Okla., who chairs the Republican Study Committee, have all been floated as possible replacements to McCarthy.

Scalise and Jordan both announced they would formally run for House Speaker on Wednesday. 

Jordan gains support from top Republicans for speaker to ‘unite’ moderates, conservatives

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Rep. Jim Jordan is gaining broad support from top Republicans to serve as speaker of the House of Representatives, with members telling Fox News Digital that he can "unite" moderates and conservatives across the GOP conference.

Jordan, R-Ohio, announced his bid for the speakership on Wednesday, after lawmakers voted to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from the post for the first time in the history of the House of Representatives.

TRUMP WOULD ACCEPT HOUSE SPEAKERSHIP FOR A 'SHORT PERIOD' WHILE REPUBLICANS DECIDE ON A PERMANENT REPLACEMENT

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., also announced his bid for House speaker.

Jordan, who serves as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and is co-leading the House impeachment inquiry against President Biden, has garnered support across the Republican conference — including from top House committee chairmen.

"Jordan’s efforts have shown that he can unite moderates and conservatives across the conference to get the 218 votes needed to become speaker," a congressional source told Fox News Digital.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, a moderate Republican, told Fox News Digital that he would proudly support Jordan for the role of House speaker.

"I am proud to support Jim Jordan as our next Speaker of the House because of his leadership skills, professionalism, and the fact that he will be able to unite our conference," Turner said.

House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green also threw his support behind Jordan; along with others including Rep. Thomas Massie; Rep. Darrell Issa; Rep. Mike Carey, Rep. Mary Miller; Rep. Warren Davidson; Rep. Jeff Van Drew; Rep. Ralph Norman; Rep. Alex Mooney; Rep. Lauren Boebert; Rep. Byron Donalds; Rep. Scott Fitzgerald; Rep. Troy Balderson; Rep. Harriet Hagemen; and Rep. Max Miller. 

FLASHBACK: MATT GAETZ VOTES FOR TRUMP AS HOUSE SPEAKER IN SLIGHT TO MCCARTHY

"We need a conservative fighter to stand up strong to the Biden White House and Democrats and I can’t think of anyone better than Jim Jordan," Rep. Jim Banks told Fox News Digital.

Rep. Jeff Duncan also threw his support behind Jordan, calling him a "proven conservative fighter" who "can right the ship and return the House to a path toward conservative principles like promoting limited government, fighting reckless spending, and holding the Biden administration accountable."

And on the other side of the aisle, even Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., said that Democrats are "ready to work with any Republican speaker as long as they don't break their word, that they want to help the American people," and said that would include working with Jordan, if he was elected speaker of the House.

GAETZ 'OPEN-MINDED' ON RULES CHANGE TO ELIMINATE MOTION TO VACATE, WOULD SUPPORT JORDAN OR SCALISE AS SPEAKER

As for Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., he told Fox News Digital that both Jordan and Scalise "would represent a monumental step forward for the conference." 

"I'd be honored to vote for either of these men on the floor," Gaetz said. "In conference, I'll make a decision based on spending and whether they are willing to liberate us on these continuing resolutions." 

House Republicans are hosting a candidate forum on Tuesday, and former President Trump has said he plans to attend. 

Trump, the current frontrunner of the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has not yet commented on who he would support for speaker. However, a source familiar told Fox News Digital that the former president is very close to Jordan and has always had a great relationship with him. The source said Trump also has a great relationship with Scalise. 

HOUSE VOTES TO REMOVE KEVIN MCCARTHY AS SPEAKER IN HISTORIC FIRST

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Thursday afternoon, Trump said that if Republicans cannot rally enough support for Jordan or Scalise, he would accept the speakership himself for a "short period." 

"I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress," Trump told Fox News Digital. "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." 

"They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion — I’m not doing it because I want to — I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision," Trump said.

Trump did not specify who had asked him, although a number of GOP lawmakers have said he is their preference for speaker.

Trump stressed that if Republicans cannot come to a consensus, he would take the speakership for a short "30, 60, or 90-day period." 

HOUSE REPUBLICANS MOVE 'FULL STEAM AHEAD' ON IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY EVEN AMID SPEAKER UNCERTAINTY

"I would only do it for the party," he said, stressing that his focus is on his presidential campaign. 

Back in January, as the House considered who should become the speaker after Republicans took the majority of the chamber, Gaetz opted not to vote for McCarthy or Rep. Byron Donalds, who was floated as an option, and instead, for Trump.

When Gaetz’s name was called during the seventh round of voting, he responded: "Donald John Trump." 

Trump would accept House speakership for a ‘short period’ while Republicans decide on a permanent replacement

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EXCLUSIVE: Former President Trump told Fox News Digital that he would accept a short-term role as speaker of the House of Representatives to serve as a "unifier" for the Republican Party until lawmakers reach a decision on who should take on the post.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was removed as speaker of the House Tuesday after Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., introduced a measure against him known as a motion to vacate, accusing him of breaking promises he made to win the speaker's gavel in January.

GAETZ 'OPEN-MINDED' ON RULES CHANGE TO ELIMINATE MOTION TO VACATE, WOULD SUPPORT JORDAN OR SCALISE AS SPEAKER

"I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress," Trump told Fox News Digital. "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." 

"They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion—I’m not doing it because I want to—I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision," Trump said.

Trump did not specify who had asked him, although a number of GOP lawmakers have said he is their preference for speaker.

Since McCarthy’s ouster, both House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jordan and House Majority Whip Scalise have announced bids to run for speaker.

Trump stressed that if Republicans cannot come to a consensus, he would take the speakership for a short "30, 60, or 90-day period." 

"I would only do it for the party," he said, stressing that his focus is on his presidential campaign. 

Back in January, as the House considered who should become the speaker after Republicans took the majority of the chamber, Gaetz opted not to vote for McCarthy or Rep. Byron Donalds, who was floated as an option, and instead, for Trump.

FLASHBACK: MATT GAETZ VOTES FOR TRUMP AS HOUSE SPEAKER IN SLIGHT TO MCCARTHY

When Gaetz’s name was called during the seventh round of voting, he responded: "Donald John Trump." 

Meanwhile, Trump told Fox News Digital that he will visit Washington, D.C., Tuesday and plans to be on Capitol Hill to speak with members of the House Republican Conference as they consider who will become the next speaker. 

As for whom he would support for speaker, the former president did not comment. 

HOUSE VOTES TO REMOVE KEVIN MCCARTHY AS SPEAKER IN HISTORIC FIRST

A source familiar, though, told Fox News Digital that Trump is very close to Jordan and has always had a great relationship with him. The source said Trump also has a great relationship with Scalise. 

Trump is leading the 2024 Republican presidential primary field by a massive margin.

The most recent Fox News poll shows 60% of Republican primary voters supporting Trump for the GOP nomination, up from 53% in the last survey in August. 

HOUSE REPUBLICANS MOVE 'FULL STEAM AHEAD' ON IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY EVEN AMID SPEAKER UNCERTAINTY

The only other candidates to receive double-digit support in that poll are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 13% and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy at 11%.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley sits at 5%, with former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott at 3% each. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is polling at 2%, with the remaining GOP candidates receiving less than 1%.

Trump expected to visit Capitol Hill next week amid House speaker race: sources

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Former President Trump is expected to head to Capitol Hill next week as the House of Representatives prepares to elect a new speaker, following the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Fox News Digital has learned. 

Two sources familiar told Fox News Digital that the former president and 2024 GOP frontrunner is planning to speak with members of the House Republican conference on Tuesday as they consider who will become the next speaker of the House. Another source told Fox News Digital that the details are still being ironed out. 

Another source told Fox News Digital that the plans to travel to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday will not impact the former president’s campaign stop in New Hampshire on Monday. That visit will be his first visit back to the lead-off presidential primary state in two months.

McCarthy, R-Calif., was removed as House speaker on Tuesday after Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., introduced a measure against him known as a motion to vacate, accusing McCarthy of breaking promises he made to win the speaker's gavel in January.

Lawmakers voted to oust McCarthy from the speakership for the first time in the history of the House of Representatives.

Since McCarthy’s ouster, both House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., have announced bids to run for speaker of the House.

It is unclear, at this point, who Trump would throw his support behind. 

"Both of these men would represent a monumental step forward for the Republican conference," Gaetz told Fox News Digital during an interview Thursday. "I don’t believe there is a single conservative in the country who would not believe we are in a better position with either of them."

Gaetz told Fox News Digital he would be "honored to vote for either of these men on the floor."

"In conference, I’ll make a decision based on spending," Gaetz said, referring to the House GOP conference meeting next week. "And whether they’re willing to liberate us on these continuing resolutions."

Meanwhile, as Jordan gains support for speaker of the House within the GOP conference, questions are swirling as to who could take his post as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee — which is jointly leading the impeachment inquiry against President Biden, alongside the House Oversight and Ways & Means Committees — if he is elected.

Capitol Hill sources said Gaetz may have ambitions for the post himself, but when asked, the congressman offered his support to a colleague instead.

"The best person to take the Judiciary Committee if Jordan became speaker would be (Louisiana Rep.) Mike Johnson," Gaetz told Fox News Digital. "Because he’s a better lawyer than I am."

Gaetz ‘open-minded’ on rules change to eliminate motion to vacate, would support Jordan or Scalise as speaker

Posted on by Latest Political News on Fox News

EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Matt Gaetz said Thursday he is "open-minded" on a House rules change that would abolish the tool he used to oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker, while telling Fox News Digital that he would support either Rep. Jim Jordan or Rep. Steve Scalise as his replacement.

McCarthy, R-Calif., was removed as speaker of the House after Gaetz, R-Fla., introduced a measure against him known as a motion to vacate, accusing him of breaking promises he made to win the speaker's gavel in January.

Lawmakers voted to oust McCarthy Tuesday from the speakership for the first time in the history of the House of Representatives.

HOUSE VOTES TO REMOVE KEVIN MCCARTHY AS SPEAKER IN HISTORIC FIRST

During an interview with Fox News Digital on Thursday, Gaetz said he leans towards keeping the motion to vacate as an option, but didn't rule out supporting an effort to abolish it altogether.

"I’m leaning against changing our exiting rules for any particular purpose," Gaetz told Fox News Digital during an interview Thursday. "Though, I am open-minded and would be willing to hear anyone’s presentation if they were offering a rules change."

Since McCarthy’s ouster, both House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., announced bids to run for speaker of the House.

"Both of these men would represent a monumental step forward for the Republican conference," Gaetz told Fox News Digital. "I don’t believe there is a single conservative in the country who would not believe we are in a better position with either of them."

Gaetz told Fox News Digital he would be "honored to vote for either of these men on the floor."

HOUSE REPUBLICANS MOVE 'FULL STEAM AHEAD' ON IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY EVEN AMID SPEAKER UNCERTAINTY

"In conference, I’ll make a decision based on spending," Gaetz said, referring to the House GOP conference meeting next week. "And whether they’re willing to liberate us on these continuing resolutions."

Meanwhile, as Jordan gains support for speaker of the House within the GOP conference, questions are swirling on who could take his post as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee — which is jointly leading the impeachment inquiry against President Biden, alongside the House Oversight and Ways & Means Committees — if he is elected.

Capitol Hill sources said Gaetz may have ambitions, himself, for the post, but when asked, the congressman offered his support to a colleague instead.

"The best person to take the Judiciary Committee if Jordan became speaker would be Mike Johnson," Gaetz told Fox News Digital. "Because he’s a better lawyer than I am."