Steve, thanks for reading the piece and commenting. Constitutional scholars indicate that a non-elected person can be elected Speaker by the House of Representatives. The Constitutional amendment making the Speaker third in line for the presidency does not include any limitation or condition that would prevent Trump from taking office. I'm not sure of what bases exist for the Supreme Court blocking the scenario.

Fortunately, I think you are right that it is highly likely--inconceivable--that the scenario would play out. The fact that a sitting member of the House raised it in a press conference, however, makes it worthy of worrying about, even if that member is Matt Gaetz.

In any case, thanks for reading the piece. I remain hopeful that the predictions of Republicans winning in 2022 will prove wrong.