During an appearance on MSNBC’s The Weekend, former Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) stirred up the panel when he suggested that retired former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) could be a viable replacement for current House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who is facing opposition from some GOP members.
With at least four GOP House members publicly undecided or stating they would not support Johnson, and with Donald Trump staying silent on the matter, Walsh proposed McCarthy as a potential solution. “There is no rule against a non-member holding the position,” Walsh said, suggesting that McCarthy could return to the role.
His comment caught the attention of the panel, with The Weekend co-host Michael Steele bursting out laughing. “The best thing Johnson has going for him is the calendar,” Walsh continued. “Trump wants to do a bunch of cruel aggressive stuff in January, a speaker’s mess messes that up, but Kevin McCarthy.
I could see Donald Trump getting behind Kevin McCarthy, what a wonderful turn that would be. I’m just saying.” Walsh’s suggestion quickly prompted further discussion, with panelist April Ryan questioning whether the GOP would want to revisit the turmoil that led to McCarthy’s ousting as Speaker earlier this year.
“How many votes were there to oust Kevin McCarthy?” Ryan asked, referencing the GOP’s internal struggles that resulted in McCarthy losing his position. Co-host Alicia Menendez also weighed in, saying, “Do we want to go through any of this again?” as Steele continued to laugh at Walsh’s unexpected proposal.
The conversation highlighted the ongoing uncertainty and division within the House GOP, with McCarthy’s potential return to the Speaker’s role raising questions about the party’s direction and leadership in a divided Congress.