Mccarthy Alleges Gaetz Conspired With Democrat Rep. Swalwell, Gaetz Refutes Accusations: 'Lying Like A Dead Dog'

In a recent string of allegations, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has accused Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) of colluding with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). Gaetz, on his part, has categorically denied these claims.

What Happened: As reported by The Hill on Wednesday, McCarthy has claimed that Gaetz, a Freedom Caucus member, is conspiring against him with Swalwell. The accusations involve Gaetz’s queries about Democratic support and calls for a new Speaker, which McCarthy believes are related to an ethics complaint against Gaetz.

“Matt is working with Eric Swalwell, but let me be very clear," said McCarthy, according to the report.

“Matt is upset about an ethics complaint. I don't care what they threaten against me. I'm not gonna interject into an independent committee like ethics, and I'm not going to put Swalwell back on the intel committee. So, they can do whatever they want."

Presently, Gaetz is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. However, the Department of Justice chose not to prosecute him on sex trafficking allegations earlier in February.

Gaetz, in an interview with MSNBC, firmly denied McCarthy’s allegations, stating. He reportedly dismissed McCarthy’s claims as lies aimed at retaining power.

“I am the most investigated man in the entire Congress, and right there you saw Kevin McCarthy lying like a dead dog because I have never asked him to interfere in any ethics matter," Gaetz said.

The allegations against Gaetz and his denial arise amid ongoing federal budget negotiations. The current budget is due to expire at the end of September.

See Also: John Fetterman Tells Progressive Democrats: ‘Get Behind Joe Biden’s Policies Or You’re Gonna Get Behind Trump’s Policies’

Why It Matters: McCarthy’s allegations against Gaetz come at a time when his own leadership is under scrutiny. According to a Benzinga report dated dated September 12, 2023, McCarthy’s position as Speaker is threatened by far-right factions, despite his initiation of President Joe Biden’s impeachment inquiry.

Meanwhile, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a key McCarthy ally and a member of the House Freedom Caucus, claims she has been a significant force behind McCarthy’s decision to initiate the impeachment inquiry. This contradicts Gaetz’s claims of being the primary advocate for the inquiry, as reported by Benzinga on September on September 12, 2023.

McCarthy’s leadership journey, marked by major concessions to far-right House members, has been a tumultuous one. His election as House Speaker was a historic 15-ballot battle, as detailed in a Benzinga article from January 7, 2023.

Photo by Consolidated News Photos on Shutterstock.

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