Matt Gaetz vehemently denied allegations that he orchestrated the removal of Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker in retaliation for an ongoing House ethics inquiry against him. The Florida congressman is currently under investigation for allegations including sexual misconduct, illegal drug use, and campaign fund misuse, asserted his innocence, highlighting his clearance by the FBI, Department of Justice, and the Federal Election Commission.
Following McCarthy’s ousting from the position on Tuesday, Gaetz took to Fox News to address the historic vote. Responding to rumors of revenge motives behind McCarthy’s removal, Gaetz refuted the claims as “totally false.”
Sources suggest Gaetz’s action may stem from dissatisfaction with McCarthy’s failure to halt the House inquiry against him, although Gaetz dismissed any personal animosity towards McCarthy as an “urban legend.”
In a further critique of McCarthy during the Fox News interview, Gaetz hinted at a strained relationship between McCarthy and former President Donald Trump. Gaetz asserted his support for Trump and his anticipation of campaign collaboration, emphasizing his positive standing with the ex-president.
“I support President Trump, eager to campaign with him,” Gaetz said. “Probably our private conversations I am going to keep to us, but I am in good stead with the former president.”
“You know who you won’t see on the campaign trail at a big rally? Kevin McCarthy,” Gaetz asserted. “Because if Kevin McCarthy took the stage at a Trump rally, he would be booed off it like Lindsey Graham.”
In response, McCarthy portrayed Gaetz’s move as retaliatory, describing it as “personal” after his removal as House Speaker. He dismissed Gaetz’s statements, claiming, “Just because Gaetz said something don’t believe it’s true. I haven’t heard him say one true thing yet.”
As previously reported, McCarthy made history as the first House Speaker voted out of the role, with Congress voting 216-210 to remove him, including support from eight of his own Republican colleagues.
