Rep. Matt Gaetz took a victory lap Wednesday shortly after Rep. Mike Johnson was elected House speaker, telling The Washington Times he felt « vindicated » for leading the ouster of ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy and saying it gave rise to a more conservative leader.
Rep. Matt Gaetz took a victory lap Wednesday shortly after Rep. Mike Johnson was elected House speaker, telling The Washington Times he felt “vindicated” for leading the ouster of ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy and saying it gave rise to a more conservative leader.
The Florida Republican led the removal of Mr. McCarthy, an unprecedented move that gave way to three weeks of turmoil and fierce divisions in the GOP House.
“It fulfilled my commitment to have one who’s more honest and more conservative,” Mr. Gaetz said. “I think these were the most productive 22 days we’ve had in the House of Representatives because we were able to vanquish the lobbyist vessel formerly known as Speaker McCarthy.
