McCarthy has been out of elected office for nearly a year, after resigning from office at the end of 2023. However, he has remained around political media and maintained his role as a Republican fundraiser.

“I don’t want a role in the administration … even if he asks me,” McCarthy told CBS Mornings when asked about the subject. “I think I’m better to serve him from the outside … I want to help the country [be] successful.”

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy says he does not want an official role in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, “even if he asks me.”

McCarthy tells CBS Mornings that he believes Trump is willing to work across the aisle: “We don’t have dictators, I don’t care if… pic.twitter.com/W7oAPwMQ7X

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) November 6, 2024

The California Republican’s denial comes after speculation McCarthy could take a role as Trump’s chief of staff. A potential Cabinet role for McCarthy would be a significant jump back into working directly in politics for him and could enable him to guide Trump’s moves in another administration.

A prominent role for McCarthy likely wouldn’t sit well with MAGA loyalists such as Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), whose feud with the Californian inevitably led to his ouster. The pair still have bad blood as indicated by a public argument at the Republican National Convention in July that Gaetz initiated while McCarthy was speaking to the media.

Top Trump adviser Susie Wiles, who helped the Republican back to the White House, has been rumored for a role as his chief of staff as well. However, unlike McCarthy, Wiles has little real governmental experience, outside of campaigns. Since 2004, she’s been an adviser or campaign manager to various politicians.

Trump’s chief of staff, whomever he chooses, will likely be one of his early picks. It’ll also be one of the most crucial.

McCarthy also commented on the presidential election.

“I believed this was gonna be the outcome,” he said. “I thought it all came down to Pennsylvania; I thought it’s more about the policy of economics. I thought Kamala Harris picked the wrong vice presidential candidate. Had she picked Shapiro, it would’ve been a tighter race.”

The Republican believes that Americans will “see a much different Trump” now that he’s not able to run for reelection. “I would tell Democrats, he is not such a hardened person philosophically in a hard-right position.”