Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) claimed that Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) "unleashed the demons" when he led the push last year to remove former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his leadership position.
Gingrich was replying to a query from Fox host Laura Ingraham on why some House Republicans, such as Reps. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) and Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), are departing Congress before their mandates expire.
Gingrich stated that, in part, Gaetz's effort last year to end McCarthy's stint as speaker should not be overlooked, and that the lower chamber has been a "disaster.
"Well I think, first of all, you'd have to have a totally different approach," Gingrich said on Friday's edition of "The Ingraham Angle." "We should not underestimate how awful Matt Gaetz's actions were for the entire system. He unleashed the demons, went after someone who could raise $480 million, had won seats in three consecutive elections, and pushed Kevin McCarthy out of office. From that moment forward, everything has been a tragedy.
The former House speaker stated that he does not blame current House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for the House's legislative performance because he has been placed in a tough position following McCarthy's removal.
"I don't blame Johnson, I think Speaker Johnson has a hand that's virtually impossible to play and that's where I think some of the people just make it worse," he was quoted as saying.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), one of Johnson's most vocal detractors since he entered office, filed a request to vacate on Friday, the same procedural process that forced McCarthy out in October. She added that it was a "warning," but she did not "have a timeline" for when she would compel a vote on the motion, which is presently not privileged, so it will not be considered after Easter recess.
Gingrich stated that all of these circumstances provide ample explanation for why Republicans require not only former President Trump in the White House, but also a larger House majority to allow for disputes when attempting to pass legislation.
