Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) evaded answering a question about endorsing former President Trump during a recent interview, citing that the campaign is still ongoing. McCarthy's remarks came during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" with Kristen Welker.

When pressed by Welker on why he hadn't endorsed Trump, McCarthy responded, "The campaign is still going. There's a very good chance I would endorse President Trump." The former speaker acknowledged Trump's wide lead in the Republican presidential primary, with other candidates trailing far behind.

McCarthy justified his hesitation by listing pressing matters that require his attention, stating, "Well, I believe because I've got a southern border wide open, I have war in the Middle East, I got things I'm focused on right now. I believe President Trump will be our nominee, and I believe President Trump will get reelected. Think about what Biden has done... he has brought in chaos."

When asked if he still considers himself a "MAGA Republican," McCarthy affirmed, "You know what? I am a conservative Republican from the beginning to the end. And that's what I've always been. You can try to phrase different names to people, but I'm proud of who I am."

Despite some speculation about their relationship, McCarthy and Trump have maintained a good rapport following the former president's departure from the White House in 2021. Trump played a significant role in McCarthy securing the Speakership in January, publicly and privately urging Republicans to support him amidst internal GOP divisions.

However, McCarthy's tenure as House Speaker recently came to an abrupt end when eight Republicans joined all House Democrats in voting 216-210 to remove him from the position. The internal divisions within the GOP have since caused further strife as potential candidates vie for the Speakership, struggling to secure the necessary 217 votes to assume the Speaker's gavel.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who initially sought the position, faced setbacks during three rounds of voting on the House floor. Consequently, the House GOP conference voted by secret ballot on Friday to no longer support Jordan as their Speaker nominee, leading to a reset in the race for the Speakership.

As a result, multiple Republicans have entered the race, intensifying the competition in what is expected to be a crowded contest set to unfold this week. The outcome will have significant implications for the future direction of the Republican Party.