A recent social media exchange between former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s ex-staffer and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has highlighted ongoing intra-party conflicts among Republican lawmakers. The clash follows Hunter Biden’s recent guilty verdict.
Key Points:
- Hunter Biden Verdict: Hunter Biden was found guilty, drawing various reactions from political figures. Rep. Matt Gaetz called the conviction “kinda dumb tbh” on social media.
- Response from McCarthy’s Camp: Maggie Howell, a former McCarthy staffer, responded sharply to Gaetz’s post, accusing him of drug use and soliciting prostitutes without providing evidence.
- Ongoing Feud: The tension between Gaetz and McCarthy has been escalating since Gaetz led the effort to remove McCarthy as Speaker of the House last fall. McCarthy has since supported Gaetz’s primary challenger and compared Gaetz to Hunter Biden.
- Past Allegations: Gaetz has been under scrutiny due to a federal investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and drug abuse. The investigation, initiated in 2020, concluded without charges. However, the House Ethics Committee continues to probe these allegations.
- Political Repercussions: Gaetz claims the Ethics Committee investigation is retaliation for his role in ousting McCarthy. Allies of McCarthy have considered pushing Gaetz out of the House depending on the investigation’s outcome.
Quotes:
- Gaetz, when approached for comment, shared a screenshot of the inquiry on social media, stating, “My pronouns are ‘Removed McCarthy.’”
- Joel Valdez, Gaetz’s campaign manager, responded to Howell’s comments by saying she is “coping and seething hysterically on X all day” following McCarthy’s ouster.
This development underscores the internal strife within the Republican Party as it navigates responses to high-profile legal outcomes and internal power struggles.
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