Gaetz Blasted by McCarthy Over Ethics Committee Probe During His Unexpected Visit to The Capital

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarty visited the Capitol for an event honoring former House clerk Cheryl Johnson. He took this opportunity to criticize Matt Gaetz, who led McCarthy’s ousting and is currently under investigation by the Ethics Committee.

McCarthy’s return to the Capitol

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Since his ousting in December, McCarthy resigned from Congress and talked about a tech career. He also planned to dedicate his time to giving speeches and writing a memoir. This visit to the Capitol was about honoring Johnson, and McCarthy acknowledged that, but he did speak to some outlets about Matt Gaetz.

McCarthy was asked about Gaetz’s resolution

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The Independent asked McCarthy about Gaetz’s resolution declaring Trump “did not engage in insurrection.” The resolution would protect the former president from future use of the 14th Amendment Section 3, used in Colorado and Maine and awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.

McCarthy’s answer was quite telling

The former House Speaker, who only served in that position for nine months before Gaetz filed a motion to vacate, responded, “Is he trying to deflect from what’s happening in Ethics? I don’t know what happened.” McCarthy was referring to the investigation by the House Ethics Committee.

McCarthy was diplomatic

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The Republican from California told The Independent that he doesn’t know much about the investigation but added Gaetz was “very concerned” about it during McCarthy’s time in the House.

Provoking Gaetz?

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McCarthy alleged that Gaetz reportedly asked him “to do something about it” but did not elaborate because that “would be illegal.” That did not stop McCarthy from discussing Gaetz’s private life, so he told reporters that Gaetz “probably lies about who he sleeps with too.”

Gaetz was quick to respond

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The Florida Republican and staunch Trump supporter shared his response on X, writing, “What stage of grief is this?” When it comes to gruesome allegations against Gaetz, the DOJ’s probe did not bring sex trafficking charges in 2023. Still, newer reports claim that the House Ethics Committee is talking to the witnesses and reviewing the DOJ’s materials.

Advice to Speaker Johnson

McCarthy said his successor, Speaker Mike Johnson, should not be afraid to “make a decision.” He added, “I would do the exact same thing I did before. You can’t be afraid of someone trying to throw you out.”

McCarthy’s reportedly plotting revenge

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Since his ousting, McCarthy has reportedly been trying to find ways to recruit and support primary candidates against the Republicans who voted for his ousting. The Gaetz Eight, as the eight Republicans led by Gaetz are known, already complained about donors ending or pausing financial support in the election year.

McCarthy called them “Crazy eight led by Gaetz”

The former House Speaker characterized the eight Republicans as the “Crazy eight led by Gaetz.” Tenessee’s Tim Burchett, one of the Gaetz eight, confirmed to The Daily Beast that some “very wealthy” donors are closing their purses.

Johnson to the rescue?

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However, reports claim Speaker Johnson might help those who sided with Gaetz. He is hosting a fundraiser for Burchett later this week. According to recent filings, Gaetz did not suffer fundraising losses.

Honoring ex-House Clerk Cheryl Johnson

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During the award ceremony, McCarthy was joined by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, former House Clerk Lorraine Miller, and Capitol Historical Society President Jane Campbell.

McCarthy’s words of kindness

McCarthy said about Johnson, a Democrat, “When I was elected speaker last year, I’d like to think I got loud applause. But the loudest applause was for Cheryl and the job that she did. It was from every single member on both sides of the aisle.”

The first clerk to serve under speakers from both parties

As the former House Speaker pointed out, Johnson was the first clerk to serve under speakers from both parties, and he continued praises, “She thanked me for coming … from California. I told her I owe her another 14 awards. I will come to all 15, as she stood for me.”