Gaetz Issues 1 Word in Reaction to News of McCarthy’s Departure

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is celebrating former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) decision about whether he will remain in Congress.

On Wednesday, McCarthy announced his decision to leave Congress at the end of this year.

Gaetz, one of the California Republican's rivals in Congress who led the effort to oust him as speaker, reacted to the news with a play on his name.

He posted on X, formerly Twitter, "McLeavin.'"

https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/1732440476593111301

In an op-ed published by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, McCarthy shared he is leaving the House at the end of this year.

He touted what he said were Republicans’ accomplishments during their time in the majority and stated, “No matter the odds, or personal cost, we did the right thing. That may seem out of fashion in Washington these days, but delivering results for the American people is still celebrated across the country.”

“It is in this spirit that I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways. I know my work is only getting started,” he continued. “I will continue to recruit our country’s best and brightest to run for elected office. The Republican Party is expanding every day, and I am committed to lending my experience to support the next generation of leaders.”

Finally, McCarthy wrote, “I never could have imagined the journey when I first threw my hat into the ring. I go knowing I left it all on the field—as always, with a smile on my face. And looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Only in America.”

The decision will further shrink the Republican majority in the House.

Last week, lawmakers voted to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) after a scorching House Ethics Committee report.

While Gaetz struck a celebratory tone, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) -- who opposed the move to oust McCarthy -- posted on X, "Well.. Now in 2024, we will have a 1 seat majority in the House of Representatives. Congratulations Freedom Caucus for one and 105 Rep who expel our own for the other."

https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1732438386084806665

She added, "I can assure you Republican voters didn’t give us the majority to crash the ship. Hopefully no one dies."