GOP Lawmakers Express Frustration With Matt Gaetz, Make Him Stand Near Democrats Amid House Speaker Crisis

The Republican Party’s patience with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) appears to be wearing thin, as he was recently forced to debate from the Democratic side of the House chamber. The unconventional move came as Gaetz sought to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his role as House speaker.

According to a report by The Washington Post, Gaetz’s efforts to force a vote to dethrone McCarthy led to his own party colleagues disallowing him to debate within their caucus, thereby relegating him to the minority Democratic side of the chamber.

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Gaetz’s successful bid to remove McCarthy has reportedly sparked intense backlash within his own party. McCarthy, in reaction, announced he wouldn’t seek re-election as speaker after being pushed out by Gaetz. 

"I'd love to have him out of the conference," expressed Rep. Don Bacon (R-N.E.), adding that Gaetz shouldn’t belong to the Republican Party.

Despite the growing animosity, Gaetz seems unfazed by the potential of being formally dismissed from the party. 

"If they want to expel me, let me know when they have the votes," he retorted.

The discontent towards Gaetz was evident throughout Tuesday, except from a few hard-right Republicans who supported his motion to vacate the speakership.

McCarthy, after his ousting, commented on Gaetz’s actions, stating, "You all know Matt Gaetz. You know it was personal."

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