Matt Gaetz floats motion to remove Kevin McCarthy as House speaker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Responding to one of his Democratic colleagues on social media, Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz floated that he might file a motion to “remove” California Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy from his role as speaker.

Gaetz posted on X last week criticisms against McCarthy, such as a lack of “single-subject appropriation bills,” “subpoena for Hunter Biden” and “[U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary] Mayorkas impeachment.”

Responding, California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell called Gaetz’ criticisms “empty threats.”

“Gaetz folded like a cheap card table to make McCarthy speaker and will never — I repeat never — make a motion to remove McCarthy,” Swalwell said. “I do not work with serious people.”

Gaetz fired back, saying, “If I make a motion to remove Kevin, how may democrat votes can I count on Asking for a friend….”

“Bookmark this tweet,” Gaetz then posted, referencing Swalwell’s post and hinting at a potential motion to remove McCarthy.

To remove McCarthy, a “motion to vacate” would need to be filed and a simple majority of the House must vote in favor of it.

Republicans control the chamber 222-212.

McCarthy became speaker earlier this year off the heels of a narrow Republican U.S. House of Representatives victory in the 2022 election.

The speaker’s race was embattled and contested, with McCarthy taking days to prevail in his bid. Gaetz was one GOP member who lead the opposition.