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.
“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.
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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