Republican Congressman Chip Roy of Texas is fuming over House Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to team up with fellow Congressman Tony Gonzales for a fundraiser in San Antonio, just days after Gonzales made controversial comments about GOP hardliners in Congress.
In a scathing interview with San Antonio radio station KTSA, Roy expressed his frustration and disappointment with Johnson for campaigning for Gonzales instead of standing up for conservative principles.
“I cannot tolerate what’s happening to the people that I think are standing up for this country,” Roy said, referring to himself and other members of the House Freedom Caucus.
But what has Roy so upset? It all started with Gonzales’ appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, where he blasted his colleagues in Congress, calling them “real scumbags.”
Gonzales went on to single out Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, falsely claiming that he “paid minors to have sex with him at drug parties.” He also accused Bob Good, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, of endorsing a “known neo-Nazi.”
These baseless accusations did not sit well with Roy and other members of the Freedom Caucus, who have been staunch defenders of the Republican party’s conservative values. In fact, Roy was taken aback that Johnson would campaign for Gonzales while he continued to attack his fellow conservatives.
Johnson’s appearance at the fundraiser also raised some eyebrows within the Republican party, as the event reportedly brought in nearly $300,000 in donations. Gaetz, who was not invited to the fundraiser, took to Twitter to express his frustration.
“I have no problem with [Johnson] campaigning alongside Turncoat [Gonzales], but why is this gathering just for donors willing to fork over the $300k Tony bragged about?” Gaetz tweeted.
BREAKING: Mike Johnson is heading to San Antonio tomorrow to Campaign for Tony Gonzales
Gonzales was just on CNN calling Gaetz a pedo.
Wow. @mattgaetz you should sue for defamation. pic.twitter.com/EMFCzLfdtf
— 🇺🇸Land Of ILLUSION🇺🇸 (@Landofillusion1) April 24, 2024
But it seems that this clash between the establishment and grassroots Republicans is not limited to just Gaetz and Roy. Gonzales is facing a primary challenge from Anthony Herrera, a conservative grassroots activist who has been gaining traction in the race.
Herrera, who was also not invited to the fundraiser, criticized Gonzales and the establishment for relying on big donors and PACs while he was out talking directly to the people.
“There could not be a clearer example of a David vs Goliath fight,” Herrera said in a statement on X. “While Tony and the establishment are raising millions of dollars through big donors, PACs and private parties, we’re out talking directly to the people. It’s the establishment against grassroots, plain and simple.”
Tensions are rising within the Republican party, and the establishment is seemingly turning its back on conservative principles. It remains to be seen how this divide will play out in upcoming elections. But one thing is for sure: the clash between the establishment and the grassroots is far from over. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales (Texas) launched an astonishing attack on far-right lawmakers in his party. pic.twitter.com/oWIuxYCb8l
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) April 22, 2024
