"Exploring the Possibilities: Non-Members as House Speaker, Candidates Emerge, and Uncharted Powers"

The House speaker, who is second in line for the presidency, does not have to be a member of Congress, although it has never been led by a non-member in its 234-year history. Currently, the House is without a speaker after Kevin McCarthy was removed from the position. Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan have announced their candidacy for the next speaker. There is speculation that former President Trump could become speaker, but Republican conference rules suggest he may be ineligible due to felony charges. Trump has not ruled out the idea and said he would do it if necessary.