Washington, DC – Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich expressed concerns over the state of the House of Representatives, citing Congressman Matt Gaetz’s actions as a catalyst for chaos within the chamber. Gingrich highlighted Gaetz’s efforts to remove former Rep. Kevin McCarthy from his leadership position, resulting in what he described as a “disaster” for Congress.
During an interview on Fox News, Gingrich addressed the departure of several House Republicans, such as Reps. Ken Buck and Mike Gallagher, before the completion of their terms. He pointed to Gaetz’s role in McCarthy’s removal as a contributing factor to the turmoil within the lower chamber.
Gingrich emphasized the significance of McCarthy’s forced exit from the speaker position, noting the detrimental impact it had on the functionality of the House. He believed that Gaetz’s actions unleashed a series of negative consequences that have since plagued legislative processes.
Despite the challenges faced by current House Speaker Mike Johnson in the aftermath of McCarthy’s removal, Gingrich refrained from placing blame on Johnson for the legislature’s struggles. He recognized the difficult position Johnson was in and acknowledged the complexities of governing under such circumstances.
In response to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to remove Speaker Johnson, Gingrich highlighted the ongoing turmoil within the Republican Party. He suggested that the current situation underscored the need for a strong Republican presence, advocating for both the re-election of former President Trump and an increased majority in the House.
Drawing on his own experience as speaker, Gingrich emphasized the importance of a sizable majority in facilitating effective governance. He contrasted his past ability to manage a diverse group of representatives with Johnson’s current struggle to navigate a narrow majority, underscoring the challenges faced by the current House leadership.
As tensions within the House continue to escalate, Gingrich’s remarks shed light on the complexities of party politics and legislative performance, offering insights into the challenges of governing in a divided political landscape.