Actually, I think it could theoretically happen. There's nothing in the constitution that says how to select the chief justice. By tradition it's just been that whichever justice replaces the outgoing chief justice becomes the new chief justice. The tradition has stood because nobody knows or has tried anything else. If Trump appointed Thomas as chief justice and called over to fix payroll accordingly (chief justice makes a little more), people would scratch their heads but it might stick.
I wish it was true.
Shitpost....hopeful post..... POTUS can nominate a Chief Justice and the Senate confirms
Can't happen, but he could certainly announce his retirement and get a conservative replacement between now and Jan 3.
Actually, I think it could theoretically happen. There's nothing in the constitution that says how to select the chief justice. By tradition it's just been that whichever justice replaces the outgoing chief justice becomes the new chief justice. The tradition has stood because nobody knows or has tried anything else. If Trump appointed Thomas as chief justice and called over to fix payroll accordingly (chief justice makes a little more), people would scratch their heads but it might stick.