This week is turning out to be a turbulent one for the Republican Party, with growing uncertainty about how they’ll be capitalizing on their newfound majority in the House of Representatives.
On Tuesday, Kevin McCarthy failed to secure the role of Speaker even after three separate votes – something that hasn’t occurred in Congress since 1923 – thanks to a rather sizeable rift within the GOP.
This prompted former President and current presumptive 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump to drop a heavy endorsement of McCarthy over on Truth Social. That endorsement, however, was strongly rebuked by Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, proving that the GOP’s civil war is far from over.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Florida Republican congressman-elect who rose to prominence under former President Trump’s wing, went rogue after the former president endorsed GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy of California for House Speaker.
Gaetz told Fox News Digital that Trump’s endorsement of McCarthy for speaker has not changed the congressman’s view on the former president or GOP leader, nor has swayed his vote.
“Sad!” Gaetz said in a Wednesday statement. “This changes neither my view of McCarthy, nor Trump, nor my vote.”
Trump’s statement was unmistakable in its support for McCarthy.
“Some really good conversations took place last night, and it’s now time for all of our GREAT Republican House Members to VOTE FOR KEVIN,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“CLOSE THE DEAL, TAKE THE VICTORY, & WATCH CRAZY NANCY PELOSI FLY BACK HOME TO A VERY BROKEN CALIFORNIA,THE ONLY SPEAKER IN U.S. HISTORY TO HAVE LOST THE ‘HOUSE’ TWICE! REPUBLICANS, DO NOT TURN A GREAT TRIUMPH INTO A GIANT & EMBARRASSING DEFEAT. IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE, YOU DESERVE IT,” the 2024 presidential candidate continued.
“Kevin McCarthy will do a good job, and maybe even a GREAT JOB – JUST WATCH!” Trump predicted.
The drama will be continuing on Wednesday, with McCarthy’s potential wielding of the gavel still up in the air.
