Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy still harbors disdain for Matt Gaetz, as evidenced by his recent interaction on NewsNation’s Dan Abrams Live.
Their feud has been ongoing since last October when Gaetz played a role in McCarthy’s ousting as House Speaker.
McCarthy rekindled the tensions on Wednesday night, asserting to Dan Abrams that Gaetz misled President-elect Donald Trump regarding his potential nomination for Attorney General in a bid to sidestep the ethics investigation.
He mentioned that Gaetz “sought an excuse to step down,” elaborating on the supposed strategy: “I hold Matt accountable for misleading the president since he needed to exit Congress before the ethics report was released on Friday. I doubt he actually informed President Trump.”
Gaetz exited Congress during the ongoing investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which was scrutinizing allegations that he engaged in sexual activities with a minor in 2017 and that he had paid for sex. Gaetz has consistently denied these accusations, and a federal inquiry did not lead to any charges against him.
“The most significant legislation Matt introduced in Congress centered around stock trading transparency,” McCarthy noted. “If he claims innocence, why not exonerate himself? Release the report.”
McCarthy also addressed allegations of Gaetz’s inappropriate relationships with a minor, stating that “individuals representing the 17-year-old” had contacted the ethics committee.
He further mentioned that additional reports suggested Gaetz was involved in drug distribution and inappropriate sexual behavior.
McCarthy speculated that the gravity of these allegations could very well spell the end of Gaetz’s political ambitions.
“This nation deserves better than that,” McCarthy asserted, emphasizing that “these young women deserve justice.”
The host pointed out that Trump “seems to have a fondness” for the Florida congressman, prompting McCarthy to imply that, in contrast, he personally does not share that sentiment.
“I’m unsure who genuinely supports him,” McCarthy concluded with a subtle smirk.
