Staff Reports
In the latest episode of Republican drama, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida is threatening Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s speakership. Gaetz is demanding that McCarthy answer questions about a supposed “back deal” he made with Democrats to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government temporarily. Gaetz accuses McCarthy of keeping this deal a secret from other Republican leaders.
Gaetz wants answers, and he wants them now. He specifically wants to know what commitments McCarthy made to President Joe Biden, and if there were any other promises made to Democrats in exchange for their support. If McCarthy doesn’t provide the necessary information, Gaetz says he will file a motion to vacate McCarthy’s position as speaker as soon as this week.\
Gaetz demands answers from McCarthy on 'secret side deal' with Democrats https://t.co/HHHNEbWzYE
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 2, 2023
It’s clear that Gaetz isn’t playing around. He suggests that other Republicans might vote differently on his motion if they heard what McCarthy has been up to behind closed doors. Gaetz wants transparency, and he wants it now.
Meanwhile, McCarthy is denying any wrongdoing and is unfazed by Gaetz’s threats. He says he made the decision to keep the government open because that’s what he believes is best. McCarthy argues that there was no guarantee Democrats would even vote for the resolution, but he still had to make the tough decisions as speaker.
It remains to be seen how this Republican showdown will play out. Gaetz needs at least five Republicans to back his motion if it is filed, and he seems to have some support from Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona and Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana. However, it’s unclear whether Democrats would come to McCarthy’s rescue if he were to face an ouster.
In the world of politics, nothing is ever certain. But one thing is for sure: this is going to be one interesting battle to watch. Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing Republican drama.
