The president will remain neutral in the coming contest among House Republicans to succeed Paul Ryan, R-Wis., as speaker of the House, the White House made clear to Newsmax on Wednesday.
Hours after Ryan announced he was retiring from Congress, we pointed out to White House press secretary Sarah Sanders the president has a "great relationship" with House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La, and asked whether Mr. Trump would support the Louisianan’s expected bid for the speakership.
"The president has a great relationship with a number of members of the House of Representatives who support his agenda," Sanders told us, "and he looks forward to working with all of them."
Sanders' clear signal of neutrality came amid rumors other Republicans might challenge Scalise's expected bid for the speakership. Among those mentioned as possible candidates are Reps. Mark Walker, R-N.C., chairman of the House GOP Study Committee, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., chairman of the House Republican Conference.
Scalise, 52, became nationally known last year after he was shot and seriously wounded when a gunman opened fire on members of Congress practicing for their annual baseball game.
He made a gradual recovery and was given a prolonged ovation when President Trump mentioned him during the State of the Union address earlier this year.
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.