Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy made some stunning remarks during a Fox News segment on Sunday that several other Republicans currently still serving should take seriously.
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s own views.
McCarthy criticized the House of Representatives for its “disarray” during an appearance on “MediaBuzz” on Sunday, following the passage of a foreign aid bill with support from the Democrats.
“I think they’re in disarray, but it stems from those eight [Republicans] working with all the Democrats. If there’s no consequence… The Gaetz eight,” he said, taking a verbal shot at Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who triggered his ouster last fall.
“But they work with all the Democrats to decide who could be speaker; and since then, what has transpired? So the conference is broken because they never dealt with those eight, and until they do, it would stay broken,” he said.
“But to Marjorie [Taylor Greene’s] point is, Marjorie didn’t do what Matt Gaetz did. She didn’t make this [a] privilege[d] [motion]. She’s making it an issue for a debate. Now, I think they should keep it internal. They should have their discussion. Look, being speaker is not easy. Otherwise, maybe I’d still be there,” McCarthy continued.
“What Matt Gaetz did has broken the Republican majority. He’s now created “Lord of the Flies.” Ask anybody inside our conference; they actually know it,” he said.
WATCH:
Tensions erupted in the House of Representatives on Thursday as a faction of conservatives confronted Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., over his foreign aid proposal. The confrontation led to a verbal exchange between another Republican and the group of dissenters.
Among those involved were Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.; Lauren Boebert, R-Colo.; Tim Burchett, R-Tenn.; and several others, who were seen in discussion with Johnson on the House floor after morning votes, Fox News reported.