Representative Matt Gaetz, the far-right Republican from Florida, announced on Sunday his intention to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his leadership position. Gaetz had been threatening to oust McCarthy for weeks due to his collaboration with Democrats to fund the government. McCarthy, however, surprised many by reaching out to Democrats and successfully passing a stopgap spending plan in the House to avoid a shutdown. Aware of the risks he was taking, McCarthy challenged his critics to try and remove him from his role. In an interview with CNN, Gaetz confirmed his plan to initiate a “motion to vacate” in order to hold a snap vote on McCarthy’s leadership. Gaetz argued that new trustworthy leadership was necessary. He had previously threatened McCarthy with removal if he did not meet the demands of Republican hard-liners for spending cuts. Gaetz accused McCarthy of lying to GOP members during negotiations and making a secret deal with Democrats on funding for Ukraine, an issue many conservative Republicans opposed. Gaetz expressed a lack of trust in McCarthy, stating that the only way he would remain speaker by the end of the week is if Democrats came to his rescue. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided.
