JUST IN: Trump Reveals His Stance On Speaker’s Race After Major Update

The race for the GOP House Speaker position has taken another unexpected turn, with former President Donald Trump weighing in on the health of Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) and the implications it may have on his candidacy.

Trump explained, “I like Steve, I like both of them very much, but the problem, you know, Steve is a man that is in serious trouble, from the standpoint of his cancer.” Up until recently, Scalise seemed poised to take the helm as the House Speaker, especially following a GOP caucus meeting that appeared to solidify his lead over his contender, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).

But as dawn broke on Thursday, the momentum shifted. At least 10 Republican congressmen declared their decision not to back Scalise, putting his position in jeopardy. Now, Scalise is reportedly headed towards withdrawing.

Trump’s remarks focused significantly on Scalise’s health and the potential toll of holding such a high office while battling a severe health issue. “This is tremendous stress, all of the things that you hear about, and you know, things that you don’t want to get involved in from the standpoint of getting well. He was going through very, very serious cancer therapy,” Trump remarked.

Trump on Scalise: "This is tremendous stress, all of the things that you hear about, and you know, things that you don’t want to get involved in from the standpoint of getting well. He was going through very, very serious cancer therapy."

— David Wright (@DavidWright_7) October 12, 2023

Trump: "I’m going to be with anybody they pick. And if Jim decides to do that, that’s going to be up to Jim. But I will certainly be with anybody that they pick… But I mean, the one thing with Steve, he’s got to get well. He’s got to get well. He’s got to get strong."

— David Wright (@DavidWright_7) October 12, 2023

The former President expressed his concern as the primary need for Scalise is to focus on his recovery. “He’s got a very serious form of cancer, and you know, most importantly, I want Steve to get well. I just don’t know how you can do the job when you have such a serious problem.”

Even as Scalise’s path seems riddled with hurdles, Trump was keen to emphasize his general support for the GOP’s choice for the role, stating, “I’m going to be with anybody they pick… But I mean, the one thing with Steve, he’s got to get well. He’s got to get strong.”

With Scalise’s anticipated withdrawal, political analysts and insiders have speculated that Rep. Jordan could seize the opportunity and re-enter the race. Should this occur, and given the current circumstances, Jordan could potentially find himself facing a path with significantly reduced opposition.

The recent roller-coaster in the race for the House Speaker position has illuminated the heightened divisions and intricacies that lie within the Republican Party’s corridors of power.

The choice made by the GOP will not only decide the leader of the House but will also set the tone for the party’s direction in the foreseeable future, especially given how important the coming year will be. As always in politics, only time will tell. However, many conservatives have voiced their frustration, feeling the GOP leadership has faltered in its combat against the Democrats.

As for now, the Republican Party seems more divided than ever.