Former House speaker floats idea of removing Gaetz from House GOP caucus, committees
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich recently floated the idea of removing Representative Matt Gaetz from the House Republican caucus and all of his committees, according to multiple reports.
Gingrich was discussing the possibility of legislating Gaetz’s ejection from Congress during a Fox News appearance earlier this week, asserting that such a move could help the GOP to become “much cleaner” in the future.
The suggestion of removing Gaetz from his leadership positions was apparently a reflection of frustration and disapproval from Republicans over the Florida representative’s ongoing scandal, which includes allegations of inappropriate relationships with underage girls.
Gingrich, however, was not advocating for outright expulsion in Gaetz’s case, only for the House to strip the embattled lawmaker of his voting privileges and committees. Doing so, he argued, would send a clear message that the Republican party is serious about enacting accountability and upholding ethical codes of conduct.
While such a move would certainly be a statement, it’s unclear how feasible it would be, and what sort of support it would receive from the GOP. Additionally, Gaetz has denied the charges against him, claiming that they are a part of a “deep-state” smear campaign against him.