While former President Donald Trump said he is "focused" on running for president, he would not rule out being the GOP speaker of the House on Wednesday.
"A lot of people have been calling me about speaker," Trump told reporters before heading into the courtroom for Day 3 of his $250 million civil trial. "All I can say is we'll do whatever is best for country and for the Republican Party.
"We have some great, great people."
Reporters noted Trump did not rule out becoming speaker if he was asked, admitting only that there are a lot of people asking.
"A lot of people have asked me about it," Trump continued. "I'm focused. You know, we're leading — I'm sure you don't read too much in the papers — but we're leading by like 50 points for president.
"My focus is totally on that."
House rules do permit a nonmember to be the speaker, but it has not been done before. Trump stressed only that he will "help" the GOP in any way possible in terms of the currently vacant position.
"If I can help them during the process, I would do it," he said. "But we have some great people in the Republican Party that could do a great job as speaker."
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and other Trump backers in the House have floated Trump's name.
"I think she's a wonderful woman," Trump said, noting she is not the only one calling him to ask him to save the House. "A lot of other people have called for that, too."
Ultimately, it is about saving America, Trump concluded, before heading into the courtroom.
"I'll do whatever it is to help, but my focus, my total focus is being president and quite honestly making America great again, because we are living in a country in decline," Trump said, turning to the campaign mantras he often repeats at his political rallies.
"This is a country that's failing badly. We're not respected in the world. Interest rates are through the roof. Taxes are through the roof. Inflation is horrible, what it's done to us: It's eating us alive. Energy is now over $5. It was at $1.87. It's over $5. What's happened to our country with Afghanistan — that horrible removal, the most embarrassing moment, I think, in our country's history.
"So, I'm running for president. I'm up 40-50 points and more in some cases. But whatever I can do to help with regard to speaker.
"By the way, I'm also leading Biden by a lot. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have trials like this."
