Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is displeased by Trump’s endorsement of McCarthy.
The former president expressed his support for McCarthy in a post on Truth Social Wednesday.
“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 said.
“Sad!” Gaetz reacted in a Wednesday statement to Fox News. “This changes neither my view of McCarthy, nor Trump, nor my vote.”
The Florida representative has arguably led the House Freedom Caucus campaign against McCarthy’s leadership bid, with himself and 19 other Republican members putting the House in gridlock by refusing to bring McCarthy to the required 218 votes.
Gaetz additionally posted on Twitter that “supporting McCarthy is the worst Human Resources decision President Trump has ever made.”
Supporting McCarthy is the worst Human Resources decision President Trump has ever made.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) January 4, 2023
As it stands, McCarthy lost his 11th vote for Speaker of the House. No signs are pointing to a victory for him anytime soon.
These failed bids by McCarthy mark the first time since 1859 that more than nine votes have been held in order to fill the position.
Gaetz seemingly does not intend to do an about-face on his opposition to McCarthy anytime soon. The Florida congressman took to social media Wednesday to essentially call McCarthy a liar after he allegedly broke a promise to not negotiate with Democrats for House votes.
“Another day, another lie from Kevin McCarthy,” Gaetz wrote online. “Just weeks ago, Kevin McCarthy promised me and the entire House Republican caucus that he wouldn’t seek Democrat votes to secure the Speakership.”
Another day, another lie from Kevin McCarthy.
Just weeks ago, Kevin McCarthy promised me and the entire House Republican caucus that he wouldn’t seek Democrat votes to secure the Speakership.
In fact his people said it was a “doomsday scenario” if this were to happen. pic.twitter.com/nUQhmmKT12
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 4, 2023
Some GOP members, including Fox News host Sean Hannity, are frustrated with the entire display, arguing only McCarthy will be able to secure the needed 218 votes.
Others, such as Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), counter that McCarthy’s failure to win after what is now 11 elections and counting reveals an entirely different reality.
